Loving. Kindness.
February 2, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Lately, when I find myself broken or when I encounter another who is broken, I’ve been turning to the Tibetan “loving kindness/unconditional friendliness” (maitri) meditation by way of healing mantra. This has been shared with me by many teachers and now I’ll share my favorite way to practice with you.
The traditional meditation practice has several layers, but I find it easily in any encounter. It tends to pop up in my brain when I see someone who is suffering but it also frequently makes an appearance when I see someone in a state of grace and joy.
When the inspiration strikes, I behold the subject of my thoughts in their entirety, all of their shape, their entire story, no judgements or fear. I imagine myself looking the person in the eye, maybe making physical contact, and then I tell them:
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you be safe.
May you be at ease.
Sometimes it’s simple and natural. Sometimes it is difficult and painful. Unconditional friendliness is much harder than it seems, but it’s a practice, and is helping me to be much kinder to myself as well.
