Melissa Ann Goodwin

Melissa Ann Goodwin

Thursday, April 14, 2011

M is for METTA (LOVING-KINDNESS)



Metta is a Sanskrit word that means Loving Kindness 

There is a lovely meditation called the Metta Meditation, and it goes like this:

May I be physically happy
May I be mentally happy
May I be safe
May my day go easy

Notice something important about the Metta Meditation - it speaks of sending these kind and loving thoughts to ourselves - not to someone else. This is intentional. So often we focus all our attention on taking care of and being kind to others. Metta says that we have the cart before the horse, that we must first treat ourselves with loving kindness before we can be kind to others.

We should always say the Metta Meditation to ourselves until we really feel it, and only then can we then send the same loving thoughts on to other people.

It's a simple meditation that you can say anywhere, anytime - around the house, in the car, at your desk in the middle of a busy day.

Don't worry about the exact words - you can use your own. It's the thought that counts.

5 comments:

  1. Melissa, this is just beautiful! I've heard of Metta, but don't really know anything about it. I love the meditation and will use it. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am off to take care of myself...enough cleaning the house, now to meet my need!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Melissa.
    Definitely going to need this meditation today!

    On my blog, you mentioned you'd read my post at WOW! Women on Writing and talked about a book review. Just let me know!

    ~~LuAnn
    http://luannschindler.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous4/15/2011

    Thank you M! I will remember this and use it in my life. Very beautiful my friend<3 Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks everyone! This meditation is so simple and lovely. It helps me stay calm and centered.

    Lu Ann - I will! I hope it won't be long...but you know how it works...

    Hugs to all,
    Melissa

    ReplyDelete

Talk to me!