Self-Kindness Starts At Home

Truly, we cannot give what we do not have. Loving Kindness, like everything, starts at home, with ourselves. When we cultivate the love within, we open our hearts to giving love to others and receiving love in return.

To be on this path requires a strong, healthy sense of self. We will not get very far if we are already defeated. Low self-esteem is not a spiritual virtue. When we first begin to make an effort become friendly with ourselves, we can more easily see the patterns that are in opposition. As we see these temptations of self-loathing and self-judgment clearly, we can start to accurately perceive their true negative effects and begin to lose our taste for this self-abusing behavior. And as we stop wasting our energy in this direction, we increase our capacity to genuinely, and sincerely and effectively wish others happiness and freedom.

In this meditation, we invite in the mantra "may I be happy, may I be free." You will feel a new sense of quiet, joy, and peace. The practice is simple. The results are wondrous and amazing. Start now.