Sunday Reset

Leaning into Loving Kindness

Last weekend I shared an email about getting stuck in a thought loop. Did you read it? Thanks :) 

As it so happens, I now have a beautiful song stuck in my head… also a thought loop, yet because it's musical, it's referred to as an earworm or tune wedgie (hahaha - I have to admit, tune wedgie is a new term to me).

The lyrics go like this, “May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.”

It's loving kindness and compassion, in song. Loving kindness can shine through in so many moments throughout the day - if we let it! 

Want to hear more about Loving Kindness?

Through loving kindness, we're sending heartfelt wishes for ourselves and others to be happy and healthy, to move through this world with ease, and to feel supported and connected. 

Studies have found that practicing seven weeks of Loving-Kindness Meditation increased love, joy, contentment, gratitude, pride, hope, interest, amusement, and awe. These positive emotions then produced increases in a wide range of personal resources (e.g., increased mindfulness, purpose in life, social support, decreased illness symptoms), which, in turn, predicted increased life satisfaction and reduced depressive symptoms.

How can we practice loving kindness?

• Loving Kindness Meditation -practicing formal meditation where we deliberately hold ourselves and others in awareness and send heartfelt wishes - for love, peace, good health, happiness, anything that feels meaningful.

• Loving Kindness While Out & About - loving kindness in action might include extending heartfelt wishes (and possibly gestures - think offering a joyful smile)  to people we pass on the street, people in the elevators, grocery stores, or the friend we meet for coffee.

• Loving Kindness Texting and Social Media - loving kindness can shine through our texts and social media interactions - with those we love, with strangers, even with those with whom we disagree. Imagine if we all practiced loving kindness online (vs. polarizing, unkind comments).

So this email is now becoming an invitation. First, of course, to join us for meditation, as loving kindness is a regular meditation we share. Second, to integrate loving kindness into you life and into your day. 

Below are more resources for loving kindness - let us know what you think- send me an email.

Warmly,

Julia