Loving Kindness Matters
I was first introduced to this practice in our old studio. It seemed simple enough: creating well wishes for yourself, your loved ones, people who cause you suffering, and eventually, the world. There are, of course, variations, but the method remains the same. First, we tap into our awakened heart — the one that knows radical love as taught to us by Jesus, Buddha, Mary, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Thich Nhat Hanh (just to name a few)… you know, that love. The love we know is there but that sometimes eludes us in this human form. We tap into that. From that light of kindness and compassion, we sit. Again, it seems simple enough. And then, by the end of the practice, you notice something has shifted. Something feels softer, lighter. You feel our interconnectedness. It may not be big at first, but this practice seems to grow exponentially over time.
This practice became a huge part of my life over ten years ago. When I was struggling with depression and anger, it was the only method that gave me any peace — the only thing that allowed me to sleep through the night. I would lie in bed repeating: May I be free from suffering. May I be at ease in this body, heart, and mind. May I know happiness and peace. These words would carry me into sleep. When I couldn’t even muster my own words, Sharon Salzberg guided me — so much so that I still have her phrases memorized, and they are now part of my teaching.
In 2020, I began leading this practice virtually and in the studio as a way for us to heal our hearts, as an antidote to fear. It reinvigorated my meditation practice. I had a bigger purpose now. A few years ago, during an event, a student/teacher shared her story of a frightening travel experience — one where everyone’s safety was at risk. While those around her panicked, she said she began smiling and silently reciting these phrases. When I heard her story, I knew I wanted that level of peace — that automatic response of compassion and love. Once again, the flame of lovingkindness was rekindled. Now, anytime life feels out of control, or I feel myself wanting to control those around me, this practice is my go-to. It’s almost automatic. Sometimes I even shorten it to: I love you. You love me.
When the Walk for Peace began, it set my little heart aflame. This is what I believe can change the world — shifting our vibration, our thoughts, our hearts from fear to love. I trust Malcolm Gladwell’s tipping point theory: that when enough people do something or believe something, it becomes true. Big changes often happen suddenly, not gradually. They spread like a virus. Why can’t that be true of peace, too?
Watching the monks gather crowds — growing larger each week — has lifted my heart. Watching people sing in Minnesota. Hug. Laugh. Cry. Anchoring in peace and love. This is the way. It may not be the only way, but it is one way we can feel a little lighter. As the monks conclude their journey in Washington, DC — after day 108 of their walk — they have invited us to join them. They have invited us all to a Global Meditation for Lovingkindness, livestreamed on their Facebook page and website. So now, we invite you…
It is a huge honor to share this practice with each of you. And it feels important that we gather in community to share this moment. Please join us Wednesday as we livestream this meditation in our studio. Our doors will be open from 4:30–7:30 p.m. for drop-in meditation. Come whenever you can. Stay as long as you like. No meditation experience necessary. Free and open to ALL.
From the venerable monks: Whether you join us in person or online from your home—your presence matters. Your meditation matters. Your loving-kindness matters.
