Awakening the kind heart: how to meditate on compassion

Everyone appreciates kindness. A smile, a few friendly words, a show of concern when were troubled or feeling unwell, an offer of help gestures of kindness like these brighten our day and ease whatever sadness we may feel in our hearts. And just as we appreciate other people being kind to us, others appreciate it when we are kind to them.

But thought kindness is important, it doesnt always come easily: sometimes we are filled with anger, jealousy, or pride, and being kind is the last thing we feel like doing. Or we get so caught up in our work and responsibilities that we find no time to think of others.

Kathleen McDonald introduces two powerful methods for awakening the kind heart in us all.

The first is the practice of the four immeasurable thoughts love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

The second method is thought transformation, a beautiful practice based on a short, eight-verse text that is an exemplary guide to living compassionately.