Loving Kindness

One of the special tools I learned in therapy is called Loving Kindness. I have alwaysss been super hard on myself and hold onto many negative thoughts. Loving Kindness helps let go of these negative thoughts and builds self-compassion. It also builds compassion, love, and kind wishes for others. It strengthens the ability to manage emotions and creates an overall peaceful well-being. In this blog post, I will go over the steps to practice Loving Kindness!

Do you remember how we started off our Mindfulness meditation with a comfortable position and slow, deep breaths? Well, this is how to start Loving Kindness as well. As you breathe, gently bring yourself to mind. Then begin reciting a set of loving, kind desires for yourself. Common mantras used for this practice are: "May I be healthy", "May I be at peace", "May I be happy." One that I include for myself is "May I love and accept myself" because it is something I constantly struggle with. But you should pick ones that feel best for you. Whatever mantras you choose, repeat them several times and really focus on what they mean to you. Once you feel ready, you can start sending them to others.

As you begin sending Loving Kindness in your mind, you should first choose a loved one, then an acquaintance, and then someone more difficult. This could be an"enemy," someone who has hurt you, or someone you're angry with. When my therapist had me do this part I was like "Are youuu kidding? Why would I want to send those to them?"I was stubborn at first but I learned that it will help let go of any ill feelings and welcome inner peace and acceptance. Once you get through that, you can start to repeat the mantras for allll beings in the world. The world can ALWAYS use more love.

Loving Kindness should be practiced often for it to work well. It will quiet the negative voices in your mind and fill it with comfort and support.