May is the month of Metta, Loving- kindness, compassion and an active interest in others.

“The path begins with cultivating appreciation of our oneness with others through generosity, nonharming, right speech, and right action. Then, on the foundation of these qualities, we purify our minds through the concentration practices of meditation. As we do, we come to experience wisdom through recognizing the truth and become deeply aware of the suffering caused by separation and of the happiness of knowing our connection with all beings.”

Sharon Salzberg

Research shows that Loving-Kindness Meditation has tremendous benefits from greater well-being to providing relief from illness and improving emotional intelligence.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling-it/201409/18-science-backed-reasons-try-loving-kindness-meditation  Emma Seppala, Ph.D.

The effects are both immediate and long term. In my experience, after participating in the LKM, people have said they felt more connected to others. It is more effective when we practice consistently. In the meditation section of my website there is a loving kindness meditation recorded.

There are many versions of this, but it all stems from a state of compassion for self and then others. The recognition is that although we have differences from others, we still have the same basic needs and desires.

·       “May I be well, happy, and peaceful”

·       “May I be free from suffering”

·       “May I be safe and protected”

·       “May I live with ease and joy”