Mindfulness Monday
As a change of pace this week we are going to learn a meditation you can do with your pet.
The term loving-kindness can seem like something impossible at times. Especially if we are feeling stuck in negativity, anger or hate. Living in the age of social media can make it even worse. We are surrounded by others that seem to be perpetually blissful and so filled with love that they have never known a bad day in their lives. That is obviously untrue, but that belief can feed our dissatisfaction with ourselves, making the practice of loving-kindness seem even more out of reach.
When we can’t access loving-kindness in our lives, we can aim instead for ‘warm and friendly’. Animals can be great guides on this path. They live perpetually in the present and never resist their own emotions. They can also be amazing teachers at unconditional love.
A suggestion for the week: For this experience you need an animal that familiar enough with you to be near you, ideally sitting on your lap.
· Notice the feeling that you have with this animal wanting to be in your presence.
· Notice what it feels like to be accepted exactly as you are. This animal doesn’t care anything about your specifics (job, looks, your mistakes), to this being you are 100% okay exactly as you are at the moment.
· If the animal is touching you, imagine that their affection for you is seeping into your body from them.
· Picture it pooling directly into your heart. Be still with the energy of this pure being who is simply existing here, right now. They have no worries, no preoccupations, no conditions.
· As you stroke this furry being, experience the exchange of affection that asks for nothing in return.
· Watch their body accept the pleasure of being petted, scratched or held. If they are sleeping watch their peacefulness.
The more we practice this, the easier it will be to access in difficult times, when we all need some warmth and friendliness.
Have a good week!