Loving-kindness and compassion are the basis for wise, powerful, sometimes gentle, and sometimes fierce actions that can really make a difference — in our own lives and those of others.
-Sharon Salzberg
One of my favorite guided meditations is on loving kindness. I have to be in the right mood, or “need it” in my life in that moment, because I often gravitate move towards quiet meditations to help ground and center me. That being said, to me loving kindness embodies compassion, patience, love, gentleness, etc., not just for ourselves, but towards others as well. And, who among us doesn’t need the occasional reminder to be more heart-centered in life? So, how do we go about doing this? I like to start with affirmations or mantras that can be helpful reminders in our everyday lives.
Loving kindness towards yourself may sound like:
- I am worthy
- I am enough
- I am love
- I live in my own truth
- I know myself (well!)
- I am compassionate
- I own my true story
- I am authentically me
What other loving kindness affirmations would you add to this list?
Loving kindness towards others may sound like:
- You are worthy
- You are enough
- You are loved
- You are seen, heard and understood
- You matter
- You are caring
- Your story is important
- You are valued for who you truly are
What else would you add to this list?
Self-care to help add more loving kindness into your life:
- Talk to a therapist
- Journal from a loving and kind place
- Notice your kind (and not so kind) inner voice
- Listen to a guided meditation that focuses on loving kindness
- Talk to a dear friend
- Connect with the world around you in a meaningful way like going for a mindful walk and noticing the beauty all around you
- Do something creative
- Stretch or do yoga
- Educate yourself on the practice of loving kindness through books, podcasts, trainings, etc.
What else would you add here that helps you tap into your own internal place of loving kindness?
So many of us struggle to be heart-centered as well as kind and gentle towards ourselves and others. If this is a struggle you’re currently going through, know that you’re not alone. I’m sending lots of love and kindness your way as you find ways to treat yourself and others more compassionately moving forward.
