Day 12: Everyone appreciates kindness & compassion ~ Dalai Lama
Compassion is universal
How often do you give someone the benefit of the doubt when they do something that either frustrates you or makes you angry? Sometimes we may feel justified in being a little harsh with people who rub us the wrong way but it is in those very times that we can break the mold and act with compassion. Rather than judge someone harshly for a rude comment why not silently send them the wish to be happy and at peace?
Considering that when we are tired, overwhelmed or sick we have all done things that we are not proud of, things that we regret when we are feeling more ‘ourselves’. Wouldn’t we like to receive a prayer or wish for happiness in those times? To live with compassion for ourselves and for others calls us to rise up and give what we most want to receive.
If you think that wishing someone well somehow lets them off the hook for bad behavior, think again. From an energetic standpoint, or from the perspective of karma, the law of cause and effect, we all end up paying our debts. Your compassionate wish for others to be free from suffering is a positive type of karma that can lessen their pain and put you in good position for more blessings. (Not that you’re only motivated by getting something good in return!)
Just be reminded that ending or easing the pain of someone who is troubled by negative emotions or circumstances helps you and the rest of the world, too. We are all connected, after all. And we all could use a little more kindness and compassion.
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. ~HH. Dalai Lama
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,
