Radical Loving Kindness During the Struggle

When you are grounded in self-love, it helps all of us.

Do you have a love hangover? Sometimes I hear Hallmark platitudes disguised as meditation and it pisses me off.

Even the sentiment, “May you live with ease” annoys me.

It feels unrealistic for many parents who are struggling with real systemic inequity, and it can be alienating. That’s not what meditation is about. Even mettā meditation, which is a practice of giving ourselves loving kindness and then extending it out, is not supposed to be sappy or unattainable.

Your current state of mind is the best place to start your practice.

You don’t need to be calm before you begin, because you are already ready, just as you are. An effective loving kindness practice will meet you right where you are, and help you feel more self-regulated and less isolated.

My struggles have shaped me.

When life is hard, we want it to be easier. Of course I would LOVE a little more ease and breathing room in my life, but I’d never want to give up ALL of my struggles. I can help other parents because I have bee…