UNCONDITIONAL FRIENDLINESS

Happy Thanksgiving!  Tomorrow is the "official" day of giving thanks…the day we slow down and get intentional about counting our blessings.  At my house this year I'm reviving an old tradition from when my now grown sons were children -- I cut out construction paper shapes of autumn maple leaves and attach a string to them.  Each person will take as many leaves as they want and write a word or phrase of something they are thankful for and then we will hang them from the bare branches of this little "Thanksgiving Tree".  I hope my 5 year old granddaughter will enjoy this tradition as much as her daddy and her uncle did at her age.

But really, everyday is a day of thankfulness, isn't it?  And a day for remembering those we love and maybe even appreciating those we don't know so well, but who come into our lives in various ways.

This Thanksgiving Day I plan to make my morning meditation one of Loving-Kindness.  Do you know about the practice of Loving-Kindness Meditation?  This practice is a common one in many traditions.  Joel & Michelle Levey describe it in their book, Luminous Mind.  In Sanskrit "lovingkindness" is called maitri -- "unconditional friendliness".  Isn't that great?!?

Here's how it goes:  Get into a meditative state of mind and body.  You know, sit quietly and comfortably with a straight spine, close your eyes, breathe deeply and regularly.  When you are ready you can begin the Loving-Kindness meditation words directed at yourself (I say these silently, but hey, out loud works too.)  Take your time…don't rush.  Really focus on the words and the meaning and your heartfelt desire to send (and receive) this blessing.

May I be happy and peaceful.
May I be free from fear and pain.
May I live with love and compassion.
May I fully awaken and be free.

Isn't that a lovely little blessing to yourself?

Now change it up a bit to direct it to those you love, those who really make your heart happy, usually family and close friends.  Hold images or thoughts of these people in your mind as you repeat and direct your Loving-Kindness to them:

May you be happy and peaceful.
May you be free from fear and pain.
May you live with love and compassion.
May you fully awaken and be free.

Doesn't that just feel great?  You are sending a blessing to those you cherish!

Next let your mind find a group of people or acquaintances about whom you feel neutral; they are out there, but you don't really know them -- the clerk at the grocery store, a neighbor you recognize but don't really know, maybe a co-worker you know but feel neutral about.   Let your heart find a feeling of kindness toward these people as you repeat the words of Loving-Kindness.

May you be happy and peaceful.
May you be free from fear and pain.
May you live with love and compassion.
May you fully awaken and be free.

Now the tricky one.  Let your mind turn towards someone you really don't like.  Someone who has caused you pain or resentment.  Someone you hope not to have to see or interact with again.  Can you find it in your heart to offer them this Loving-Kindness meditation?  Can you see that their healing can be a blessing to all in their sphere of influence -- even you?

Try it.  Let your mind focus on someone you really have problems with.  Let your heart open, even just a bit, to their humanity as you repeat:

May you be happy and peaceful.
May you be free from fear and pain.
May you live with love and compassion.
May you fully awaken and be free.

That one takes some practice -- maybe "fake it 'til you make it" -- but eventually you will find your own peace in this blessing.

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  I will take a handful of construction paper leaves from the pile tomorrow and write out my gratitudes.  At least one will say: Yoga.  At least one will say: Yoga Circle Studio.  At least one will say: YOU, offered with Loving-Kindness. ©

Namaste...donnajurene