Loving-Kindness

At heart, loving-kindness means contribution.  It is the deep desire in all of us to help ALL sentient beings be happy and free.  Loving-kindness is the recognition of interdependence–  understanding the truth that we are all connected, and ultimately, all one.

Loving-kindness is generosity… not giving money but rather a generosity of spirit– freely giving our compassion, kindness, understanding, and empathy.   It is the Boddhisattva Way– Hoping and working for the happiness of all sentient beings.

To feel loving-kindness, however, you must give it to ourselves.  You must be kind enough to let yourself be free.  You must be kind enough to be your true self– to live according to your true beliefs, values, and talents. Usually, this means you must endure criticism from others.

If you are strange, be strange.  If you are gay, be gay.  If you are an artist, be an artist and stop trying to please your parents or family or boss.   Love yourself.  Build up your own happiness.  Then you kindness will overflow and you’ll be happy to give it to others.

The cruelest and meanest people in the world are slaves and their masters.  They are locked in a cycle of bitterness.  In secret, they both hate their lives and what they have become.

Free your mind, be yourself, live simply…  follow your bliss– these are the essential steps to developing loving-kindness in your heart.

Once you have it– give it freely, share it, and expand it!