We had the Sunday Introduction to Meditation Class at Yoga Bliss yesterday: two segments of formal sitting meditation and a period of mindful walking. After walking we practiced a beautiful loving kindness meditation inspired by the teachings of Dr. Sylvia Boorstein, author and founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Sylvia seems to be a born nurturer. She introduces herself as a wife, mother, grandmother and then goes on to name her other occupations. She encourages students to practice meditation in a way that nurtures those qualities that most enhance our well being and the well being of those around us.
Each of us shared a bit about the challenges of being part of a family. We’re hungry for nurturing and are surrounded by others who need to be nurtured. Yet, our family members are often the people who test the resilience of the equanimity and calm we realize in meditation. We can lose our balance in a hot second when we pick up the phone and hear one of our kids is in hot water. Sylvia suggests that meditation can be helpful in allowing ourselves to feel what we truly feel without judging, exaggerating or suppressing our feelings. Meditation – even if it’s for that round of pausing and deep breathing – can help us to create a sense of spaciousness and time around strong feelings.
I appreciate her work because it centers on simple acts of kindness and giving ourselves the benefit of the doubt when it comes to our weaknesses or questionable judgments. She also encourages us to examine what we are nurturing in our lives – in out thoughts, words and actions. Are we extending patience, time, tolerance and forgiveness to ourselves? Perhaps if we can really do this – nurture ourselves deeply – we can offer this sense of caring to others more readily. She writes that even while she directs loving thoughts toward others she feels better herself as she dwells in the inner resource of her own kindness. You can try this yourself by practicing her guided meditation.
I’m happy to say that I see acts of kindness sprouting up frequently – in yoga studios, grocery stores and yes – even in traffic. These moments of caring or “loving actions” are like the radiant light of this flower given to me by a dear friend so now I can offer it to you.