If I were to suggest just one meditation for parents, without a doubt it would be the LovingKindness Meditation, also known as metta. This is a simple, gentle practice that holds you, your child, or others in your thoughts and wishes each happiness. The practice cultivates love, compassion, non-judgement, joy and calmness. The root meaning […]
lovingkindness
A little more about LovingKindness Meditation
Expanding the meditation If you are interested in extending this meditation you may want to follow this general guideline. Metta practice begins with you. You begin by directing the warm friendly phrases to yourself. In a very serious traditional metta practice you would continue this for several weeks or even months under the guidance of […]
If LovingKindness Feels Awkward
This is a variation on the LovingKindness meditation you may wish to try if it feels uncomfortable to send good wishes to yourself. Many people beginning a LovingKindness practice feel odd, shy or uncomfortable directing good wished toward themselves. Many feel they do not deserve such kindness. Some feel it’s just weird to wish […]
Pioneering Research on the measurable and lasting benefits of LovingKindness Meditation
Over the past decade, the effect of mind training practices has generated a lot of interest in psychology and neuroscience research. Mindfulness and various forms of meditation have clear and measurable effects on health, particularly stress reduction. But that is only the beginning of the story. LovingKindness meditation has a surprisingly rapid and long-lasting effect […]