Compassion: February 12 - 18

Mindfulness challenges me to be present even and especially when life is hard. Metta tells me to keep my heart open even and especially when there is great pain. When mindfulness meets suffering, it is called compassion.

The technique of following the breath might be simple to explain and reciting the phrases of lovingkindness may be easy to do, but the practice itself, day in and day out, through life’s joys and sorrows, is difficult.

As I silently say words of wellbeing, health, and ease for loved ones, neutral people, difficult people, and everyone everywhere, I try to paint a vivid picture of the person, complete with images, sounds and feelings. I envision them surrounded by radiant light. By doing this, I often feel a sense of warmth in my chest.

I sincerely hope my words of blessing make a difference in the life of the person. My practical side has its doubts that simply saying words makes any difference at all but the intuitive side knows the process somehow changes me from within. And because we are all interconnected, if metta helps me to become more loving then in some way, I've helped the world become a better place.

Practice

The magic of metta is not in the words but in the intention of the heart. Before you repeat the phrases of metta today, take time to imagine other people as you hold them close to heart. Now say the words as if saying a benediction.