Is Loving Kindness A Load of Bunk?

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My good news offering about loving kindness from the wonderful Ed and Deb Shapiro's How you can unhook from negativity. 

Tell me –– after trying this meditation for a while and observing its effects on you and those around you –– if you believe that loving kindness is a load of bunk.

Loving Kindness Meditation: for times of difficulty

 
Spend a few minutes on each stage of this practice. Settle your body in an upright and seated posture. Take a few minutes to focus on the natural flow of your breath, while bringing your attention to the heart space in the center of your chest. 

1. Now either repeat your name or visualize yourself in your heart so that you can feel your presence. Hold yourself there, gently and tenderly. Release any tension on the out-breath and breathe in softness and openness with the in-breath. Silently repeat: "May I be well, may I be happy, may I be filled with loving kindness." Feel a growing sense of loving kindness and compassion for yourself.

2. Now direct your loving kindness toward the person you are having a hard time with, whoever it may be. Keep breathing out any resistance and breathing in openness, as you hold this person in your heart and repeat: "May you be well, may you be happy, may you be filled with loving kindness." No need to get caught up in recalling the details of the story. Hold them gently and tenderly, wishing them wellness and happiness.

3. Now expand your loving kindness outward toward all people, in all directions, whoever they may be, silently repeating: "May all beings be well, may all beings be happy, may all beings be filled with loving kindness." Feel loving kindness radiating out from you in all directions. Breathe in kindness, breathe out kindness. 

When you are ready, take a deep breath and gently open your eyes, letting the kindness in your heart put a smile on your lips.