Open Your Mind & Heart Through Lovingkindness & Compassion

Increased compassion is the natural result of a consistent meditation practice. Through meditation, we gain a better understanding of how our mind works, and how our mind shapes our reality. We come to realize the relationship to our minds, thoughts and emotions is the source of all our suffering, and that the only appropriate response is the compassionate wish to free ourselves and all others from this pain.

Meditation for compassion is the intentional practice of cultivating an open heart. Compassion meditation includes practices such as loving-kindness (metta) meditation, tonglen meditation or meditations to develop the four immeasurable qualities. Cultivating compassion in meditation is just as important than cultivating mindfulness and awareness, as these qualities work together to bring more ease and joy to our lives.

Mindfulness and compassion meditation are two distinct styles of practice, but they complement each other in beneficial ways. In mindfulness meditation, we primarily focus on expanding our capacity to be present with any given moment. Compassion meditation focuses more on the quality of this presence. We are encouraged to bring an open heart to each moment, to connect not merely to awareness, but to an awareness that’s imbued with love.

To practice meditation for self-compassion or compassion for others, it’s best to start with a teacher or guide. Guided meditation is a practical way to learn authentic compassion meditation practices such as tonglen, loving-kindness and the four immeasurables. It’s not always easy to open the heart, so as you begin, be gentle with yourself, go in baby steps and let the process of moving from kindness to love, and from love to far-reaching compassion take time.