Metta (much better than facebook’s parent company!)

Fresh reflections on lovingkindness for yourself, others, and the collective.

Hey Friends,

Since we just had a big love holiday, I wanted to offer a bit of space for reflection about love in a grounded, connecting way. I learned about Metta while I was practicing at Dharma Yoga in Austin, TX. In Sanskrit, Metta roughly translates to lovingkindness and is a warm, nonjudgmental, non-transactional care and compassion toward yourself, others, and the collective. It’s the first of the four Buddhist virtues.

At Dharma, I learned to practice Metta by first offering lovingkindness to myself, then to someone I loved, then to someone against whom I had a resentment. Today’s reflection questions and Tarot Spread offer a variation on that theme.

Reflection Questions:

How have you been talking to yourself lately? Could it be kinder?

What has it been like to connect with others this week?

What causes or organizations are you supporting with your time, energy, money, or prayers? Are those causes aligned with your values?

Tarot Spread:

(What would be on your lovingkindness collage?)

To use this spread:

Shuffle your Tarot or oracle cards, setting the intention to explore the theme. Lay out three cards, as shown in the diagram. Start with the left, then middle, then right. Interpret each card based on the intention set for each card. Reflect on the guidance you’ve received.

Bonus Reflection Activity: Google or search “lovingkindness meditation” in your favorite meditation app & do it! It always makes me feel better about myself and the state of the world.

How’s the love fest going? Let me know in the comments!