10/28/2023
We could all use more metta. ♥️🙏
Metta is a traditional Buddhist meditation with the all-encompassing intention of spreading loving kindness. You’ll hear different variations of this practice, though we’d like to share this, as it’s been the one that resonates with us.
We think of it like a prayer. A hug for our beloveds, a crushed red velvet blanket of peace that holds people in a way that brings them solace.
Everything starts within, and so, think of something you love about who you are, imagine holding your gaze in the mirror (or actually do it) and repeat these words (as many times as needed):
May I be happy.
May I be peaceful.
May I be safe from harm.
Then move along to a semi-stranger, someone you see fairly regularly but perhaps who’s name you don’t know~ they’re at the grocery store or they walk their dog at the same park. Imagine as you walk past them, your heart can speak to theirs:
May you be happy.
May you be peaceful.
May you be safe from harm.
Then, move on to a dearly beloved. (It’s always hard to choose just one, but of course you can repeat this as many times as possible). Imagine your arms wrapped around them in an embrace as you repeat the words in their ear:
May you be happy.
May you be peaceful.
May you be safe from harm.
Next, we include someone who gives us great difficulty. This is not easy. If you can not hold them in your mind’s eye at arms length (or a football field or a continent away) then please be gentle with yourself, perhaps turn back to yourself in the mirror. For only we know when we’re in a space to offer loving kindness in complicated times…
If you can:
May you be happy.
May you be peaceful.
May you be safe from harm.
Finally, imagine this prayer like a cloak of calm, covering the planet.
Meditation, mantra, prayer~ these are powerful tools with purpose. They can ease anxiety, they can lower cortisol, heart rates & blood pressure. They can support sleep, regulate hormones and more. They can change the world as we know it.
Try this and tell us how you feel.
