Loving-Kindness Meditation

What is Loving-Kindness Meditation? Loving-Kindness Meditation focuses on developing feelings of goodwill, kindness, and warmth towards others (Salzberg, 1997). Research shows that Loving-Kindness Meditation has tremendous benefits from greater well-being to providing relief from illness and improving emotional intelligence (Emma Seppala, Ph.D, 2014). For more information about the benefits and research, please check out Emma’s article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/feeling-it/201409/18-science-backed-reasons-try-loving-kindness-meditation Can I practice this anywhere? This meditation is about 18 minutes long, it can be used as a stand-alone meditation practice or you can include this at the end of a physical practice if you would like. Due to the length, it’s important that you find a comfortable position to be in. If you’re used to a seated meditation practice, you’re welcome to find a comfortable seat on the floor, a chair or perhaps using a cushion. Alternatively, you’re very welcome to lie down for this meditation practice. You might be comfortable lying on your back, maybe having a cushion underneath the knees, lying on your side or even on your stomach if that feels good for you. You’re also welcome to find a restorative posture that would feel good, such as Supported Child’s Pose, Supported Bridge, Legs-up-the-Chair/Wall or the Supported Inversion – please ensure you warm up to any of these postures as needed. What do I have to do? Firstly, there is nothing you have to do! As with our physical (asana) practice, everything I offer is optional, I’m simply there as a guide. If something doesn’t feel good, please feel free to zone out of the words and either ignore me, or perhaps focus on the tone of my voice. During the meditation, I’ll invite you to visualise certain beings so that we can extend Loving-Kindness to them. I’m sharing this here so that you know what to expect, but don’t worry if this seems difficult, I’ll guide you through it: - A being that you love, in a way that is simple and not complicated. - A being that you see regularly, but don’t know well. - All beings - Yourself How will this make me feel? Everybody will experience this differently, there is no “right way to feel” during this meditation. Your experience, whatever that may be, is absolutely valid.  Is there music involved? I haven’t included music in this video, but you are very welcome to listen to music if you would like to. There are sections of quiet when I’m not talking, so if you’d prefer music rather than quiet, please feel to have some music gently playing in the background. I’d recommend instrumental music, so the lyrics don’t clash with the meditation – or even nature sounds or the sounds of a fireplace, anything you might find comforting. If you have any other questions, before or after the meditation, please don’t hesitate to contact me! https://www.patreon.com/posts/41410728