What if ... ?

The invitation came in my email inbox. It sounded intriguing, so I signed up for it. Besides, it was free. "It" was a 21-day meditation series titled "Desire and Destiny" with Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra.

I've just finished the series this week. I really liked that 20-minute time of quiet each morning when I listened first to the inspiring thoughts of Oprah and Deepak and then to the quiet music that allowed time for meditation and for just being.

They sent a bonus, Day 22, which invited me to think about the gift I have to put out into the world. I was invited to picture every human on the planet side by side in a huge circle, to turn to the person on my right offering my gift—and see everyone doing so in turn—and finally to turn to my left with my hands open to receive the gift offered by the person on that side. I'm not always great at guided imagery and picturing things in my mind. Still, I could imagine offering my gift and then turning to receive one from someone else. It was quite powerful. Since I'm better at giving than receiving, the receiving piece was especially powerful for me.

I wonder ...
This was quite an amazing exercise—and after the meditation time finished, it caused me to wonder what our planet would be like if we each focused on using our gift(s) in the world and on receiving those that others offer us. What if we spent no time comparing ourselves to others, envying others for what they have, being angry about what we haven't had or what we've lost, and instead did our best to make sure everyone felt loved and appreciated? What if our goal really was love and abundance for all?

I know, I know. These are the illusions (or maybe delusions) of an idealist, right? Perhaps so. But, seriously, what if? Might the world at least be a better place if you and I made that a goal? And shared it with others in our circles? Hmmm, who knows what's possible?