Heart/Mind combines the unifying qualities of unconditional love with the expansive qualities of universal-wisdom. Love and wisdom are foundational aspects of consciousness and both are put to right use in a loving kindness meditation.
Specific words are used in this guided meditation, and they are simple. Each stanza consists of four sentences, “May you be filled with loving kindness. May you be well. May you know peace and ease. May you be happy.” They can be repeated silently or aloud, they may also be realized by simply listening to the voiced guidance in the meditation.
We start with ourselves, as in, “May I be filled with loving kindness.” This is the way of all positive change… we begin with ourselves. Interestingly, this can sometimes be difficult. Once we take action to establish well-being in our own lives, we find we have the ability to offer it to others in earnest… this is the the next focus. “May you be filled with loving kindness, etc.” Then in an act of pure compassion, the third stanza holds the space of loving kindness for all sentient beings, “May all beings be filled with loving kindness, etc.”
The energy behind the words of a loving kindness meditation holds a very high vibration, which is easily accessible due to its simplicity. The task of the meditator is to stay in alignment—comfortable in the body, steady in the emotions, and clear in the mind—while registering the sentence in the brain and holding the essence of each sentence in the warmth of the heart. The brain? Yes, the brain. By simply hearing or reciting these words, they engage areas of the brain associated with empathy, compassion, and interconnectivity. This exercise reinforces synaptic connections that promote your wellbeing and your capacity to positively influence the world around you. What a service!
Happy meditating!