The hidden superpower of loving-kindness.
“Whatever you frequently think or ponder upon, that will become the inclination of your mind” (The Buddha).
Two firefighters were waiting in line at a fast-food restaurant when the siren sounded on their fire truck parked outside. As they turned to leave, a couple, who had just received their order, handed their food to the firefighters. The couple then got back in line to reorder. Doubling down on their selfless act, the manager refused to take their money. JoAnn Sanderson, Brandon, Florida
Such stories move us because “our true nature is consciousness and love itself,” as Jack Kornfield puts it. Therefore, one of the most essential things we can do to begin living mindful lives is to nurture our loving selves.
There is some misunderstanding regarding loving-kindness. Giving and receiving are vital, but the power lies in our intentions and actions toward ourselves and others. Let’s start by acknowledging that the practice of loving-kindness is like planting a seed. As we set aside time to meditate on a set of intentions, we engage in a loving relationship with ourselves and others, setting a powerful force in motion that can restore us to the realm of our shared humanity.
Why is this practice so difficult for many of us? First, our expectations might derail us. We believe that the path will lead us to a land of eternal bliss and peace. Perhaps, but most likely not. As we practice, our hearts will continue expanding and contracting like the earth’s rhythms as events take their course. Self-judgment may also hinder our efforts before they gain momentum. Finally, impatience can make us feel discouraged. But it is impossible to rush a process that builds on itself and requires regular reinforcement.
I think the all-encompassing, overriding hindrance to this practice is fear. We cling to a false sense of independence because we fear losing control if we let go. A shift in perspective is required. The realization that we are all interrelated and reliant on one another. An anonymous author best summarized it on a graffiti sign I recently read: “We are all in his together; solidarity is a verb.”
As we move through this world, the one thing we can count on is impermanence. We own nothing but our intentions, our actions, and their consequences. But we also have one another and the hidden superpower of loving-kindness.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash