My first encounter with meditation and Buddhist teachings came through a book called "Loving-kindness" by Sharon Salzberg. In this book, she teaches four simple phrases that we can use to generate love, within ourselves and for others.
When engaging metta practice, one first directs the loving-kindness towards oneself.
One says:
May I be happy.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be safe.
It's not always an easy practice to wish yourself well. It may stir your emotions. It's okay! Meditation is essentially radical self-acceptance of yourself and your states of mind. Observe what arises when you recite these words to yourself. Observe without attaching.
Then, we can think of someone that we love and adore, directing the phrases to them.
May you be happy.
May you be well.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you be safe.
To expand our loving-kindness, direct those same words above to a neutral person. Perhaps the barista at Starbucks you saw that day, or the cashier at the grocery store.
May you be happy.
May you be well.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you be safe.
And then, think of someone of difficulty, someone with whom there is tension. Maybe they aren't even in your life. Expand your heart to forgive and wish them well.
May you be happy.
May you be well.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you be safe.
This is a beautiful practice and a beautiful way to be. It takes courage to live with an open heart. Whatever emotions arise, again, observe. Don't attach. Practice radical self-acceptance as you open your heart.
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