Since a Retreat on Saturday I have been reflecting on directing loving kindness towards ourselves.

Loving-kindness is the intention of goodwill towards ourselves and others. The classic phrases that are taught for practicing loving-kindness can be stated as "May I be well. May I be safe. May I be happy. May I have a life of ease." I was reminded that when these phrases were written they were considered natural, and easier than wishing kindness toward others. Nowdays, however, people have great difficulty in regarding themselves with acceptance.

Sometimes what is needed is just taking time in one's meditation to quietly hold ourselves in our hearts and wish ourselves well. I remember the words of the Buddha: "You could search the whole world over and never find anyone as deserving of your love as yourself." He reminds us that love for oneself is possible; but more, his teachings describe this as a capacity we must nurture. It is the foundation for being able to truly love and care for others.

Othertimes, what is needed is the constant love of another person to provide the safe container, allowing us to look at our fears. When someone loves us, they supply the strength which we often lack to sit with what we do not like:

As Rumi said

"Don't turn your head.
Keep looking at the bandaged place.
That's where the light enters you"