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These practices evolved out of both inner guidance received by founder Lynda Terry and in response to the sharings and questions of the original group of Vessels of Peace women. Working with these practices will strengthen your ability to choose peace in all your thoughts, words and actions, and will act as a catalyst for the process of partnering with Divine Feminine energy. You can combine them with other spiritual practices you perform or use them on their own.
The 11 Intentions
The 11 Intentions are recited: 1) to invoke the presence and blessings of the Divine Feminine, 2) to honor those primary qualities of the Divine Feminine which support and reflect a state of inner peace, and 3) to receive and manifest the energetic vibrations of those qualities within us. Each intention's quality corresponds to a particular personification of that Divine Feminine quality. Those personifications represent an aspect of God-as-Feminine form, as perceived by different spiritual traditions. They do not represent the totality of Godness; they simply are meant to assist you in visualizing the quality and energy being invoked and received. You may find yourself drawn to some more than others, which is to be expected. Follow your guidance, and remember that the energetic element of the qualities and aspects is more important than the specific personification.
Suggestions for meditating using the 11 Intentions
Center yourself by sitting in a comfortable meditation posture and becoming aware of your breath coming in and out.
If you are moved to, visualize or gaze at an image or symbol that evokes the Divine Feminine for you.
Open your heart by invoking the blessings and presence of Spirit in your own way.
Hold your awareness of each intention as you repeat it, out loud or silently.
After reading all 11 intentions, meditate silently in your own way for up to 20 minutes.
The 11 Intentions
I honor and receive the transforming power of Shakti, Divine Feminine Energy.
I honor and receive the peaceful knowing of Sophia, Divine Wisdom.
I honor and receive the nurturing acceptance of Mary, Divine Love.
I honor and receive the sacred flame of Hestia, Divine Sanctuary.
I honor and receive the healing kindness of Kwan Yin, Divine Compassion.
I honor and receive the steady courage of Kali Durga, Divine Strength.
I honor and receive the generosity of Lakshmi, Divine Abundance.
I honor and receive the natural rhythms of Gaia, Divine Harmony.
I honor and receive the inspiration of Saraswati, Divine Creativity.
I honor and receive the inner stillness of Sige, Divine Silence.
I honor and receive the Divine Feminine in all Her infinite forms.
May Her grace flowing through me uplift and transform the world.
The Affirmation of Peace
The Affirmation of Peace is a series of statements or affirmations meant to anchor your embodiment of peace as a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual reality. It beautifully reflects your commitment to embody as an inner state, the outer reality that you and all Vessels of Peace women wish for the world. You can incorporate it into your morning or evening spiritual ritual or use it on its own at any time throughout the day.
By the Grace of the Divine Feminine,
I am a vessel of peace.
I carry the dove of peace in my heart
I breathe the mantra of peace on my breath
I hold the vision of peace in my mind
I feel the truth of peace in my soul
I shine the light of peace in the world
I am a vessel of peace
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
The Breath of Peace
This practice involves using the last line in the Affirmation of Peace on its own, by silently repeating, over and over, "Om" on the in-breath and "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti" on the out-breath. Pronounced as "Oh-mm shawn-tee, shawn-tee, shawn-tee," this ancient and sacred Sanskrit mantra means and invokes peace. In meditation one morning, a few days before the first VoP gathering took place, founder Lynda Terry began spontaneously using this mantra and synchronizing it with her breath - something she never had done or heard of doing before. She noticed how it brought forth a releasing effect in both her body and mind, and intuitively understood that it was to be utilized as part of the Vessels of Peace work.
The three repetitions of Shanti have a specific purpose. The first repetition asks that there be peace in one's own body and mind. The second repetition invokes the peace of nature and the world, including humanity and all living things. The third repetition invokes the peace of God, Spirit, the Divine.
When you find yourself with thoughts, feelings or situations that challenge your ability to hold your state of peace, repeat this mantra to help you transmute your reaction and re-access your peaceful inner state. If you don't want to use the Sanskrit words, you can use the English equivalent: "I am peace, peace, perfect Peace." Doing the Breath of Peace also can be used as you go to sleep at night or as a focus for your meditation process.
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