Loving Kindness

There are times when you miss a friend, a family member, a pet or someone who is special to you. It may be that they are not with you during a special time or they are no longer with you.

One way to feel connected to people who you love is to wish them good things. When you wish someone else good things in their life, you will feel good inside, as well.

Sometimes when you are sad or lonely, you can also send loving kindness to yourself. This can make you feel better too.

Let’s try an exercise together.

Find a cozy place to sit. If you are comfortable, you can close your eyes.

Take a deep breath, filling your belly all the way up as you breathe in.

And now letting it all out. Ahh.

Choose a person or pet that you want to send loving kindness to.

Imagine them in your head.

Where are they in your imagination?

What are they wearing?

What are they doing?

Maybe they are eating, kicking a soccer ball, or driving you somewhere.

Put your hands on your heart, and think about how you feel about them.

Thinking about them, say the following words:

May you have good health.

May you have good friends.

May you get good rest.

Let’s say these words one more time:

May you have good health.

May you have good friends.

May you have good rest.

You can put your hands down if they are still on your heart.

And take a deep breath.

In. And. Out.

Before we end the exercise, send loving kindness to yourself.

Say the following words:

May I have good health.

May I have good friends.

May I have good rest.

Breathe. In and Out.

In and Out.

Open your eyes.

Kindness for yourself and others helps you feel happy and connected. Throughout your days, perhaps you want to send kind wishes to people around you. You can also do this quietly but also through smiles and genuine compliments.

Enjoy!