Inspiration:
Life is a tragedy full of joy.
–Bernard Malamud
Loving-Kindness Meditation
At times of loss and uncertainty, the loving-kindness meditation may remind us to be kind to ourselves. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Repeat to yourself:
May I be filled with loving-kindness.
May I live in safety.
May I be happy.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
Then envision someone in your life and repeat to yourself:
May you be filled with loving-kindness.
May you live in safety.
May you be happy.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
You can repeat this several times with different people, both those close to you and those you find difficult. As you come to the end of your meditation, repeat these phrases:
May all beings, everywhere be filled with loving-kindness.
May all beings, everywhere live in safety.
May all beings, everywhere be happy.
May all beings, everywhere be peaceful and at ease.
Go in peace, my friend. You are not what you do. May you know that you are worthy and held in love. May you be filled with loving-kindness.
By Rev. Dr. Kathryn Ellis, Consulting Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Philadelphia, PA. TO READ MORE