I love metta meditations. I use them for everything – when I feel joy, when someone is going through something hard, when I really, really need to forgive someone and let that sh!t go. I really do think of them as a prayer, and it’s as close as I get to genuine spirituality. Metta is a sincere wish for all of us to suffer less. We wish for each individual to be happy, well, free from suffering, and to live with ease. I like pairing each prayer with my inbreaths and outbreaths, so I’m mindful of my breathing at the same time as I build up some compassion. 

Your mental load will be lighter if you’ve brought a few folks to mind before you get started. Who do you want to pray for today? Think of someone easy to love (could be a family member, a pet, a colleague, someone who makes you laugh – just a being you have an uncomplicated relationship with who brings you joy), someone neutral (your Lyft driver, a reliable co-worker, your regular barista), someone who is really upsetting you right now (you know who this is), and someone you know who is suffering right now (could be someone who’s suffered a loss, or even someone you don’t know who is experiencing tragedy).

Yep, I have already provided a metta meditation. It’s worth revisiting; it’s that important. Thanks for extending your well-wishes with me!