Many people are in need at this time. From Texas to parts of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, and many places in between, there is massive flooding, loss of lives and homes.

Generosity is showing up from around the world in the form of donations, time, and various means of support, both large and small. That is the beauty in the midst of tragedy and suffering – people help without hesitation.

Simultaneously, there is deep human division, pain, and separation of another kind that is showing up here in the US and around the world. How do we see our common humanity amidst the political/human divide as well?

I don’t have the answer; however, I’m trying. I believe that action is required from all of us. Whatever that is for you, may it come from a place of loving kindness and compassion.

This does not mean complacency nor submission. But to be successful in our efforts to peacefully co-habitate this planet, I think we have to start from the roots – understanding our own fears, hopes, bias, anger. And perhaps we can extend that understanding to include all other humans. Perhaps a dialogue or an action follows with a family member, a neighbor, a politician.

I admit that I’m not there yet. It is difficult for me to have a calm conversation with someone who has extremely different political views than I do, values that are at the other end of the spectrum, values that feel oppressive. Rather than stay away from them, which is an option, how can I communicate more effectively, more openly?

I continue to return to acknowledging any fear, bias, anger in myself. And I pause to generate loving kindness – towards myself and others.

Loving Kindness Practice

Loving Kindness meditation is a tool I turn to.  In this practice, we’re cultivating an open and friendly connection towards ourselves and others. The intention is to offer good wishes and kindness by repeating some phrases quietly in our mind, such as, may you be healthy, may you be safe, may you live with ease, as you bring to mind different people, including yourself!

It’s a very old practice that now has research pointing to its benefits. Our brains change when we do loving kindness practices regularly. The practice increases positive emotions and decreases negative emotions, increasing life satisfaction.

I invite you to try my brief, 10-minute guided practice below.

May you be healthy and safe.

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To learn more:

• Workshops for you and your Organization
• Schedule a free 20-minute Chat with Terre Passero, founder of Mindful Stress Management
• YouTube for guided mindfulness practices and talks about stress, the brain, and the body
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