Lovingkindness is the practice of cultivating understanding, love, and compassion for ourselves and others. It requires seeing the good in all and leaning in the direction of a generous heart, no matter what.
Most people that I have worked with over the years have had very little difficulty sending kind wishes to others. However, many have struggled with the idea of sending Lovingkindness to themselves. I believe this is because, in part, we live in a culture that encourages judgmental thinking.
For example, we are constantly bombarded with messages regarding how we should look and act. No wonder we are harsh with ourselves! Unfortunately, this style of thinking can generate tremendous emotional pain. The good news is that we can learn to change these attitudes. With hard work and diligence, we can cultivate thoughts and feelings of Lovingkindness for ourselves as well as others. It is a life changing strategy!
Please join me in this Mindfulness practice of Lovingkindness. We’ll begin with an introduction and take some time for observing the breath. We’ll send kind wishes to someone we love, people we know and don’t know and then practice sending Lovingkindness to ourselves.
If you would like to learn more about Lovingkindness, please contact me!