We all have the same basic needs and wants, and yoga reminds us that we are all connected. Try this Loving-Kindness Meditation and watch your compassion soar.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my then 4-year-old reminded me every day for weeks that, “Everything is closed.” She was right. Those days were different. Schools, libraries and restaurants were closed. Even parks were closed. Many of us were working from home, watching our children and trying to create a new (temporary) normal to keep our families—and ourselves—calm.
Busy meant something different. Instead of rushing off to meetings and appointments and to drop off kids at school and practices, our minds ran faster than a race horse as we read, watched and listened to the latest news. Our calendars were wiped clean, but our minds were still active.
Our new normal forced us to slow down and simplify, to cease all activities except the essential ones. That change brought new opportunities to pause and reflect. It’s times like these that unite us and show us how we are more alike than we are different. We all have the same basic needs (food, water, clothing and shelter) and wants (happiness, health, peace and love). Even if you don’t practice yoga asana (the poses), yoga reminds us that we are all intricately connected.
One of my favorite ways to enhance that connection with others is through Metta (Loving-Kindness) meditation. This meditation creates more love and kindness for yourself and others. I practiced this twice a day for several years, and I know it works.
Because of this meditation, I have increased my compassion for myself and others exponentially. For instance, there are times when I'm driving and I feel super connected to every other driver on the road, who is driving alongside of me but arriving at very different destinations.
Try it and let me know how it goes.
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Practice It: Loving-Kindness Meditation
You can practice this meditation any time of day. (I meditate in the morning and before bed). The important part is not when and where but why.
Close your eyes or keep them softly open. Observe your natural breath. Then, repeat the phrases below. You can silently say them in your mind, whisper them or repeat them out loud.
You.
May I be happy. May I be peaceful and at ease. May I be well.
A loved one. Repeat the same phrases, adding their name.
May they be happy. May they be peaceful and at ease. May they be well.
A stranger you encountered in the last month. Repeat the same phrases with that person in mind.
May they be happy. May they be peaceful and at ease. May they be well.
Someone you don’t get along with. Repeat the same phrases with that person in mind.
May they be happy. May they be peaceful and at ease. May they be well.
The world.
May the whole world be happy. May the whole world be peaceful and at ease. May the whole world be well.
We're all human, and we all deserve happiness, health, peace and love. Sending you all a virtual hug.
Note that this website is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine or wellness plan.
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