Day 1: Compassion connects us to others ~Brené Brown
Want to be happier? Practice compassion!
Want to have better relationships? Practice compassion!
Want to heal yourself or others? Practice compassion!
Compassion is the feeling of wanting to ease the suffering of others. Self-compassion is the feeling and desire that we, ourselves, not suffer.
When you are happy, you want others to be happy. When your life flows with ease, you want the same for your loved ones. And practicing the lovingkindness compassion meditation can help you achieve both. Practicing compassion meditation is magical in that way. But compassion is so versatile and hardworking that it works even when we feel bad.
Compassion boosts your mood – and soothes others, too!
When times are tough and life gets rough, it would seem normal to focus on ourselves. However, study after study shows that when we put our ‘compassion gene’ to work we get through tough times easier, feel more peaceful and help others along the way.
Compassion is a natural human instinct that is essential to a healthy and happy life. It connects us to others, enhances our health and wellbeing. It does not require belief in a religion – but it is a sort of spiritual practice.
Sprituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us. And that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. ~ Brené Brown
THE COMPASSION MEDITATION PRACTICE
Begin today’s meditation by taking five deep, slow breaths. Breathe in through your nose slowly to the count of 6, hold your breath for 2 counts, and exhale slowly to the count of 6. Do this for a total of 5 breaths.
With your hands resting on your lap, or on your heart if you wish, recite the loving kindness phrases and really try to generate the feelings of kindness, friendliness and compassion. Starting with yourself, say:
May I be free from suffering. May I be peaceful and truly happy. May I be well in body, mind and heart. May I live with ease.
As you feel the warmth coming from your heart, a sincere desire that you not suffer, see if you can extend that feeling to someone you care about. Imagine a dear friend or loved one and repeat the phrases:
May you be free from suffering. May you be peaceful and truly happy. May you be well in body, mind and heart. May you live with ease.
Finally, as you bask in these wonderful feelings of kindness and compassion, extend the wish to all beings on the planet.
Spend a few minutes allowing this wave of loving kindness to swirl around you and radiate out from you. I will sound a bell when the meditation period is over.
Take this feeling of connectedness with you throughout your day. Always remembering that you, too, are worthy of a life free from suffering, full of peace and true happiness.
Please share this 21-day challenge with your friends and loved ones using the hashtags #Compassion #Meditation
May you be free from suffering. May you be peaceful and truly happy. May you be well in body, mind and heart. May you live with ease.
With love,
