We Care

 

It can be inspiring to hear a lecture from a dynamic speaker. You may learn a lot and feel empowered to improve an area of your life. But what it, after you listened to the presentation, you learned that the speaker was only in it for the money and didn't care how your life turns out? You would feel a dramatic drop in how much emphasis you placed on their words.

Intent matters.

When were practice mindfulness we are showing ourselves how much we care about our bodies. When we teach mindfulness we are showing how much we care about the mental and physical health of others. 

We've talked before about Metta Mindfulness, also called Loving-Kindness Meditation. This is by  far my favorite way to be mindful. This helps me center myself on what matters and find a sense of peace in chaos.

Loving-Kindness Mindful Mediation is multi-layered. It starts easy, increases in extending love and kindness, and then challenges us beyond what we might feel capable of feeling. 

I heard a story today while listening to a podcast and I was struck with the idea that we can let go of so much pain and hate and live a life of peace. The Nobel Prize winning Psychologist Daniel Kahneman was a young Jewish child growing up in Nazi occupied Paris, France during World War 2. Daniel tells a story of being seven years old, wearing the Star of David and being out past curfew. He does not have anger in his voice. He does not tell the story filled with hate. Rather he tells the story and ends with the idea that people are complex. 

I encourage you to look it up or listen to the podcast Experts on Experts with Dax Shepard.

Daniel reminds us that people are complex. In the podcast Daniel comments that Hitler loved dogs. You might ask yourself, "how can he say something so kind about such an evil man?" Daniel would answer, people are complex.

I am in awe of the way Daniel can speak of his life and am inspired to do better when I spend time engaged in Metta Mindfulness. 

Metta (Loving-Kindness) Mindful Meditation asks us to start with self-love. For some this may be the most challenging, for a lot of us, it is the easiest. Send yourself a wish each day. 

I wish for myself to have a day filled with peaceful moments, no matter how small, and may I recognize them, acknowledge them, and list them as a gratitude. 

The next step for Loving-Kindness is to extend a wish or hope for someone we care about. Think of a friend, family member, a loved one. Send them some kindness today.

Today I wish for my daughter to have a day filled with learning, fun with friends, and a quiet moment to rest.

This last step challenges us. This last step asks us to let go of anger, hate, and grudges. This last step ask us to bring to mind someone that we do not like, do not get along with, and someone we may even strongly detest. Send them a wish and some loving-kindness.

This is a challenge.

This will lighten your heart and put you in a better mood.

Try it.

Today I wish for the mother of my step-children to have a day filled with love, kindness, and peace. 

Today I wish my sister to have a day without conflict at home or work, may she know a day of peace and love, and may we work toward repairing our relationship.

It is not easy to think these things and mean them. But once you do, it is mood altering, for the better.

I would like to extend some Loving-Kindness to our parents, adults in the lives of our students, and families. 

Today I wish you all a day of cool comfort, peaceful moments, and rest. May your weekend start with a smile and fun. May you enjoy small and simple moments. And may you find time to practice some Metta Mediation.