One of my all-time favorite books is Pocketful of Miracles, by Joan Borysenko. It was published in 1994 and is still a relevant and treasured resource. I discovered the practice of Metta or Loving Kindness in these pages, which helped me navigate through the traumatic events of 9/11 and learn to work with the deeply rooted anger I had been carrying for so long.
Pocketful of Miracles is a daybook broken down into monthly themes: February is dedicated to Loving Kindness. I’m not one to read most books from beginning to end; rather, I sift through the pages, back to front, and then choose what draws me in. I began my journey into Loving Kindness in September 2001, and it continues to this day. Here are the words that caught my attention (page 49):
Month of Metta Loving Kindness Meditation
“The lessons and practices of February
comprise the Way of the Heart…
Through ancient meditations including
the Buddhist practice of
Metta, or lovingkindness,
through awareness and owning
of our projections,
through the help of the angelic realm,
and through our intention to love and serve,
we will remember how to open our hearts
and let go of the poison of self-hatred that keeps
our souls in bondage.
In this way we will restore our place
in the Great Web of Life
that we may treat the earth and all her children
with the greatest respect and love.”
One of the beauties of Metta is that we have infinite choices on how to phrase the blessings we extend to ourselves and others. Not surprisingly, my favorites are from this book. I no longer have a daily practice of sitting with this meditation though I will do so during our Month of Metta. The blessings have permeated my cells and are always playing in the background of my mind. They have overpowered my inner critic and softened the currents of anger that flow through me.
In September, I attended a retreat in Sedona with a group who had been meeting weekly for nearly three years over Zoom. For most of us, it was the first time we were together in person. During one of our breaks, I was sitting quietly by myself, enjoying the moment. Another participant passed by me and then did a quick about face. She said that as she was walking by, she felt so much love and kindness that she had to see who it was. Wow – unexpected, yet much appreciated confirmation of the power of Metta.
What does it mean to practice Loving Kindness? For me, it means everything. It provides a foundation for living our lives deeply connected to that “Great Web of Life,” for living our lives with the greatest respect and love for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.
If you are inspired, please join us for this year’s Month of Metta, a donation-based program to benefit the Norma Herr Women’s Shelter in Cleveland, OH.
All levels of experience are welcome. MORE DETAILS & REGISTRATION