Loving Kindness
Posted By sharon on December 18, 2009
Loving Kindness is a basic teaching in most of the major religions of the world. In Buddhism, Loving Kindness is a way for us to move from a “me” centered perspective to paying attention to another, or others. Being able to be present with another person’s pain–whether emotional, physical or spiritual–requires us to be open to life itself. This may bring a feeling of vulnerability which makes us uncomfortable. This is a good sign that you are moving closer to your caring heart.
Loving Kindness is not something that someone instills in us. It is the natural feeling of caring that is innate in us. If we are always rushing around going from one project to another, we lose touch with that part of us that can sit with someone who needs to be heard, or even to feel compassion for ourselves.
Giving Loving Kindness to someone can take many forms–a smile to a stranger, calling a friend you haven’t seen for a long time, giving yourself some quality time with a loved one, listening to another person’s problems, or sitting peacefully in meditation and sending the intention to that person that they be happy. Some people find great joy in tending a garden with care or taking care of homeless pets. Whatever your chosen expression is for Loving Kindness, notice how you feel when you are giving it. It is a gift that continues to grow in you and the other.
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