Developing a loving kindness practice.

My first exposure to a loving kindness practice was in recovery. A sponsor introduced it to me about 19 years ago. I was taught to send the person I had ill feelings towards well wishes. We called it the resentment prayer. Sending them everything I’ve ever wanted. Love, peace, grace, security, for 31 days. After the 31 days I would wish it on myself.

Loving kindness (metta) is a traditional Buddhist concept.

This important practice expands our awareness and defuses separation. It bridges the gap that we use through our internal dialogue to alienate us from other humans. We become interconnected. Human. One. Here we can rejoice in goodness.

When you are with (or when you think of) your partner, children, self, strangers, someone suffering (no exceptions), someone whom “ruffles your feathers”, I want you to notice them and wish them well. You can put it in your own words, “May all suffering quickly cease”.

I learned to practice this in morning prayer and meditation, but I now use it on the spot. Passing a homeless person, someone I admire at the gym, someone I am jealous of at work, thinking of my husband, someone in pain or someone who triggers me.

When we commit to sharing the vibration of love, our hearts open in a new way, and we connect to other people’s experiences. Just like you, they don’t want stress and worry. Welcome softening and expansion to others through intention. Our willingness gives us the ability to witness our own goodness and others.

Try it and discover for yourself what happens.