For the past few months, I’ve been practicing a lovingkindness exercise adapted from the Buddhist practice for culturing metta, a wish for the welfare and happiness of others.
May you be safe,
may you be happy,
may you be healthy,
and may you live with ease.
It’s really quite simple. Mentally repeat and direct this blessing toward others. I send it to people I pass on the street when I’m out walking. I send it to other drivers; especially ones who annoy me. (Sometimes they get it twice). I send it to houses and villages along the highway. I send it to family, friends and acquaintances as I drift off to sleep. I send it to people I stand in line with at the bank or grocery store. I send it to clerks and waiters. I send it to coworkers. I send it to people I hear about on the news. I send it to areas of conflict and tension. I send it to myself.
To me, wishing happiness and goodwill to others sounds a lot like the Golden Rule, also known as Karma. And when you take into consideration the Law of Attraction (what you think about expands), I know that by blessing others, blessings will return to me. By wishing health and happiness to others, health and happiness will expand in my life. That’s partly why I do it; but mostly I do it because when I do, I feel great. Happy. Smiley. Calm. Relaxed. Rewarded. It’s the kind of feeling that reminds me how wonderful I feel when I’m kinder, more understanding, more accepting, and have faith in the universe.
(I’m taking a photography workshop, and enjoying it immensely. I’m learning to use my camera in ways I always wanted to, but couldn’t quite grasp. This picture was taken in class as part of an exercise. I’m thankful I get to learn new things and be better at doing the things I love.)
Be safe. Be happy. Be healthy. Live with ease.
