{"id":206899,"date":"2020-06-18T18:32:23","date_gmt":"2020-06-18T18:32:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/strengthbasedliving.com\/?p=206899"},"modified":"2021-05-05T16:43:51","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T16:43:51","slug":"loving-kindness-meditation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/understanding-strengths\/loving-kindness-meditation\/","title":{"rendered":"Loving Kindness Meditation"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cIt\u2019s all just too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was the subject line of a digital news article I read recently, referring to the deadly pandemic, racial injustices, and a divided country. The author highlighted that African Americans, in particular, are paying a high price in terms of deaths, economic disparity, and declining mental health.<\/p>\n

We see this and too many other heartbreaking injustices in daily life. I\u2019m noticing my character strength of fairness<\/a> being triggered often, and\u00a0I\u2019ve come to realize that one of the small things I can do to help is share strength-based practices.<\/p>\n

Collectively, we might not be able to solve these injustices in an instant, but we can bring more humanity into daily life and lessen the divisions that exist. Even within families, people with whom we disagree,\u00a0and people we\u2019ve never met.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s something we can all do right now to help ease the pain and suffering: practice a loving-kindness meditation (LKM). Rooted in the humanity virtue<\/a>, this\u00a0practice helps you mentally direct love<\/a> and kindness<\/a>\u00a0to yourself and others.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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The Inspiration<\/h4>\n

We all have the capacity to show kindness, but too often we direct it towards certain people or groups, and not others. Ironically, it\u2019s not unusual to neglect those we love the most, showing them the least amount of kindness and love.<\/p>\n

Research on the LKM highlights a wide array of positive results, many of which are needed at this time in our history. Obviously, performing LKM strengthens our expression of love and kindness, but you might not be aware that it also helps us react more positively to others, reduces the focus on ourselves, and helps reduce racial bias. Even a short session under 10 minutes can provide benefits.<\/p>\n

To\u00a0feel the inspiration, you should give it a try yourself.<\/p>\n

The Practice<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The loving kindness meditation is about mentally directing goodwill inward toward ourselves and outward toward others by repeating a series of 4 phrases, silently or out loud.<\/p>\n

You will complete it four times. The first time through, direct the loving-kindness inward. Repeat the following phrases to yourself as you close your eyes and breathe deeply:<\/p>\n

May I (you, we all) feel protected and safe.
\nMay I (you, we all) be healthy and well.
\nMay I (you, we all) experience joy and happiness often.
\nMay I (you, we all) live with ease.<\/p>\n

The second time through, direct the loving-kindness toward someone you feel thankful for such as a loved one or someone who has helped you. Close your eyes and bring that person to mind. Picture\u00a0why you\u2019re thankful or why you love this person. Then begin the LKM.<\/p>\n

Next, challenge yourself to direct loving kindness to someone whom you are not fond of. This might be easier than you think and help you to feel better about the internal dissonance you feel. This person might be someone you know or someone you\u2019ve never met. Close your eyes and picture this person, then begin.<\/p>\n

Finally, close your eyes and widen your view to family, your community, country, and the world. Direct loving kindness to all. Try it yourself, then share it with others.<\/p>\n

The Reflection<\/strong><\/h4>\n

I felt differently after completing the loving kindness meditation.
\nThis difference can be described as ______________.<\/em><\/p>\n

Perhaps you felt, as I did, that your sense of human connection was reinforced and that we are truly in this together.\u00a0 Perhaps you felt more at ease or relaxed.\u00a0 Feel free to elaborate on your reflection by journaling about it or discussing it with a trusted friend or colleague.<\/p>\n

May you live with ease.<\/p>\n

With love and kindness,
\nJane<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>