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LovingKindness Meditation Listen here

Published by Jennifer Houghton On December 22, 2016

LovingKindness Meditation

This is a meditation practice that is aimed at generating feelings of love for yourself and for others.

Sometimes it is difficult to love ourselves because we have feelings of unworthiness. This just means itll take more practice, which in itself is a sweet and joyful experience. The Buddha taught that you can search the entire universe and not find a single being more worthy of love than yourself.

During this LovingKindness meditation, allow your feelings of warmth, tenderness, friendliness, and love grow in your body and mind. Let your being sink into the intention of the phrases.

The meditation involves repeating phrases that generate feelings of love towards yourself, then extending the phrases out to someone who has given you love, then towards a good friend, then to someone neutral that you know but have no feelings about, then to someone who has caused you suffering or who you find it difficult to love for some reason, and then finally, the love is extended out towards all beings.

A regular practice of lovingkindness meditation can help to replace feelings of hatred and anger with feelings of love and gratitude. It supplants negative patterns of thought with compassion and acceptance. It is strong on empathy towards oneself and others.

The Buddha taught that lovingkindness meditation helps us sleep better, have sweet dreams, awaken contented, that people will love you, your face will glow, and life around you will become more peaceful and beautiful.

Depending on the meditator, the actual phrases themselves will vary. You can make up your own or follow someone elses like in this meditation.

Say the phrases out loud or in your mind, once each section or several times.

Click below to listen to the lovingkindness meditation:

Categories: Blog Tags: caring for others , lovingkindness meditation , self care , self love

Ive been suffering with rotator cuff and psoas issues. Through Jennifers workshop I learned that I should keep the back of my neck elongated and my shoulders back while walking. I learned not to hold my breath and how to breath deeply while holding a pose. Mostly Ive learned to listen to what my body is telling me. I always feel great after one of your classes. My body feels loose and flowy.

Susan The Kootenays, BC

I only do Jennifer's videos because I love her way of instructing...how she modifies for whatever issues a person may have. I feel relaxed and healthy when I do yoga at home with Jennifer.

Cathy Bogle The Kootenays, BC

Your positive and open attitude creates a warm and accepting atmosphere at yoga classes. This means no matter what our level of ability or experience we feel welcome.

R.A. Cochrane, Alberta

I have back and neck issues and was looking for a program that would compliment the treatments I was receiving. As a result of Jennifers workshop, I now realize how important breath control is to reducing pain and muscle tension. As the workshop progressed, I was more relaxed and was totally pain free for the rest of the day. I use many of the techniques Jennifer demonstrated daily and feel that my progress has been accelerated as a result of this posture workshop and this is allowing me to more fully participate in daily activities.

D.W. West Kootenays, BC

I really like the spunky vibe you mesh into your practice. You make me smile-love the endorphins.

K.D. Water Valley, Alberta

I went to the Dr. today to get some test results....I have reduced all the right things and increased the HDL. Nothing has changed for me - same food, etc. The only thing that is different is walking and yoga and my Dr. considers that to account for the difference in results. No pills for me!

Robin E.

Im really enjoying Yin yoga. Its just me and my body. I like the quiet time by myself.

Laurie Kambeitz, BC

In Jennifer's Gentle Yoga I've had lots of ahahs: knowledge of my body, its parts, and the role they play...like why stand up straight and how to align my knees. I felt mentally calm and happy to be so good to my body.

Verdell, B.C.

I'm recovering from a fractured ankle and although there is weight-bearing in the yoga poses it is deliberate and controlled. My a-ha moment was realizing that yoga does not need to be feared!! I left each class feeling energetic and stretched and looking forward to the next session. I definitely noticed a difference in each area we concentrated on.

Lori Peterson, Grand Forks, B.C.

I think the breathing makes you focus on your body and gets your brain also focusing on your body. I use the deep breathing in a lot of things these days, so much so that it is becoming somewhat automatic. And I can feel it waaaay down deep in the bottom of my lungs which feel much happier. The breathing has opened my eyes to a lot of things.

ColleenDolman, Grand Forks, BC

I just listened to you and Ashley's talk, following allowing with your exercises, I can't tell you how amazing and relaxed it made me feel. I felt so relaxed, feeling intensely relaxed sensations through my body only felt before during acupuncture or orgasm. I felt them starting at the soles of my feet and slowly reaching up my legs towards my heart. I felt it radiating across my chest and entire abdomen. And with each breath the sensation grew stronger and steadier. It's been about 20 minutes and my body is shaking. I am amazed at how effective just breathing can be and I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

Sean Redondo