thebuddhism.net

With the new moon approaching tomorrow, I’ve been thinking about what I really want to focus on for the next 28 days.

It wasn’t that hard for me to figure it out.

Even though I’ve been doing ok at becoming more aware, I’ve done an awful job at actually cultivating loving kindness.

How it is that I spend so much time thinking about, studying, and trying to be a more compassionate, loving person, yet when I’m caught in an annoying situation, I’m so easily frazzled?

Someone cuts in line at the grocery store – I glare at them.

I walk into the 3rd grocery store of the day to find they don’t have the brand of tea I want – I exhale loudly and roll my eyes.

I bump into someone and don’t say excuse me.

I feel entitled to my space on the train – even when it’s packed.

I really, really think the more I have problems with “German” differences–lack of personal space, no Target or Wal-Mart (where I can get whatever tea I want), not feeling comfortable speaking–the more I become unpleasant in social situations.

So. I’m going to simplify.

My intention for the next month is, simply, love.

I plan to meditate on it, use it as an intention in every yoga class, and become more aware of my daily interactions.

I discovered Metta meditation, and after trying it, I loved how I felt afterwards.

Metta means loving kindness, and I even think it’s an easy way to start a meditation practice.

Here’s a great guide to it: Metta Meditation Explained

Basically, you first think of yourself in a loving way. I imagined love starting in my heart and flowing throughout my body. Then, you imagine people you love, telling them you love them, hearing them tell you they love you. You keep adding to that: strangers, people who you don’t like, people who have harmed you, until everyone in the world is included.

There are lots of different ways to do this meditation, but that’s a short explanation. I’ve found some good guided Metta meditations as well.

I’ll keep checking back with my progress.

But, for now, just love.