Isolation Course Day 11
Day 11
Introduction
‘Loving Kindness’ is the practical means by which we learn to cultivate love for ourselves and others. Recent research provides evidence of the benefits of ‘loving kindness’ meditation interventions for cancer patients. The research, which was with breast cancer patients, showed that during the diagnostic and surgical periods, practicing loving kindness improved psychological and physical well-being and that has the potential to improve longer-term health outcomes during adjuvant treatment and survivorship.
In its essence ‘Loving Kindness’ is seen in Confucius’s ‘Golden Rule’: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So, when you practice loving kindness meditation, you are giving to yourself first so that you are better able to give to others. The Dalai Lama has said “My religion is kindness”, a statement that may appear almost platitudinous, but the practice of loving kindness, which helps us live with kindness, can be profound.
According to Bodhi, the practice helps us to actively cultivate positive emotional states towards ourselves and others, so that we become more patient, kind, accepting, and compassionate.
What is Loving Kindness?
We suggest that you set a timer to continue the practice after the instruction ends – for at least 15 minutes and preferably longer to 20 or 30 minutes. Of course, the timing of the session is personal and also dependent on how you are feeling at the time practice.
This session starts simply, by looking for kindness in the way we sit. Trying to find a position that enables you to breathe freely. Continuously observing our body.
‘Loving Kindness’ meditation is the practical means by which we learn to cultivate love for ourselves and others. Research provides evidence of the benefits of ‘loving kindness’ meditation interventions for cancer patients.
This session starts simply, by looking for kindness in the way we sit. Trying to find a position that enables you to breathe freely. Continuously observing our body.
‘Loving Kindness’ meditation is the practical means by which we learn to cultivate love for ourselves and others. Research provides evidence of the benefits of ‘loving kindness’ meditation interventions for cancer patients.
