Sharing Loving Kindness
Listen for peace in the pauses....
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to interview Professor Barbara Fredrickson of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I was managing editor of Yoga Iowa magazine at the time, and the issue was dedicated to exploring different concepts of love.
Fredrickson, a pioneer in positive psychology and celebrated researcher of emotions, is also the author of two books: Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the 3-to-1 Ratio That Will Change Your Life and Love 2.0: Creating Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection.
In tandem with these releases, she developed a series of guided meditations, one of which centered on loving-kindness. Also known as Metta meditation, an ancient Buddhist practice, the purpose of loving-kindness meditation (LKM) is to foster compassion, goodwill, and love for yourself and others through a series of mantras spoken aloud or by dedicated thought.
I’d heard of this concept, but never put it into practice until after talking with her. Since then, it’s become one of my favorites to share in meditation groups because of its powerful, feel-good focus. Positive Psychology.com explains that “metta is sometimes translated as ‘universal friendliness’ to emphasize the impersonal nature of the affection generated, free from any desire or expectation of return.”
Although rooted in Buddhist teachings, it’s a benediction of sorts that transcends any particular religious doctrine—or aligns with it, if that’s your intention. I’m particularly moved when people come up to me after a gathering, tears in their eyes, stating it was exactly the message they needed in the moment.
I hope when you listen to the short guided LKM session above, shared with respect from Positive Psychology.com, you feel the same way.
I appreciate your attention.