Day 10: Compassion is contagious
Being a copy cat isn’t always a bad thing.
While we all want to feel like we are original thinkers, most of us have a tendency to go along with the crowd, doing what others do or what we think we are supposed to do according to the social norms of the day. Fortunately, some of the positive aspects of this natural human tendency is the appearance of more compassionate, generous and altruistic behavior.
It feels good to give people the benefit of the doubt. Especially when we remember that we, too, need a bit of leeway in the assessment of our work or behavior. By opening our eyes to the possibility of sending out waves of positivity, a sincere blessing for others to be free from suffering, even when people ‘mess up,’ we become more tender, forgiving and accepting. Science says that it can stimulate others to do the same.
We are hard wired to feel one another’s emotions. The so called mirror neurons in our brains allow for the feeling of empathy, having a sense for what another person is feeling. When these neurons fire we can literally feel as though we are connected to others through an energetic bond. When someone is in a bad or low mood, we feel it. When someone is giddy and in love, we feel that, too.
By deliberately sending out your heartfelt wish for the wellbeing of others, many others will catch the wave and keep it moving. Compassion is magical in that way.
Compassion is contagious, so if you want to help compassion spread to the next generation, you need to lead by example. ~ Anonymous
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.
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,
