Open Your Heart
Jess January 31st, 2013
A thought on Valentine’s Day….
I usually just ignore Valentine’s Day in quiet protestation of a manufactured holiday that often brings on more stress and negativity than love. I came to the realization recently that I am reacting to something that will happen whether I am engaged in it or not. I am reacting to something instead of acting with my own heart. This Valentine’s Day, rather than taking a reactive mindset, I am choosing to act with love.
This year, I choose to make the most of February by being proactive, by choosing to spend this holiday in love and understanding. I will try to be present in the lives of my loved ones. I will try to greet strangers with a smile and an open mind. I will try to pause before I speak to ensure my words are true, kind and loving. I will try to be conscious of the fact, yes fact, that everyone is struggling with something. I will try to pack more love into the stream of life than I take out. I will choose to act with love.
A tool to keep me open to love is a form of meditation called Metta Meditation or lovingkindness meditation. Metta literally means ‘lovingkindness,’ one word! How sweet is that?
Here is how I practice:
I find a quiet spot and take a moment to center myself. I relax my body. I release my mind. I come to reside in my heart. Then I repeat the following four statements six different times. Each time it is focused on a different person.
Metta Meditations:
1. May I be safe.
2. May I be happy.
3. May I be healthy.
4. May I be at ease.
Send Metta Meditation:
1. To yourself
2. To a benefactor
3. To a loved one
4. To a neutral person
5. To a difficult person
6. To all beings
You may practice these statements out loud, focus on the thoughts in your head or write them down. You may repeat these statements to each person until you are comfortable with them.
These are heavy statements and may prove difficult at times. This meditation may arouse unrecognized emotions in you. That is okay. Try to accept these feelings without judging them. Acknowledge them and let it go. You may have to practice letting go daily. That is okay, too.
Life can be difficult enough so choose to greet those who cross your path with a smile and an open heart. I’m choosing love this Valentine’s Day.
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- Comments(2)
I have heard this before, and it really brings peace… “May I be filled with loving kindness. May I be well. May I be peaceful and at ease. May I be happy. May I accept what I cannot change. ” Thank you Jess for sharing what you did. I will use it as often as I possibly can.
Jess,
Thank you for your gentle reminder to share lovingkindness with everyone, especially those who are here to help us grow through discomfort.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Tanny