Last week, I invited you to breathe to help you get through these final days before the election. I gave you a book, a class, and a retreat to learn how to breathe more effectively.  I hope you’ve taken advantage.  In case you missed it, click here to see last week’s post. 

        This week, I offer a second tool to help you in this final week before election day: Loving-kindness.

        What is loving-kindness?  Loving-kindness is a mindfulness practice designed to cultivate compassion and peace in your heart. It does this by focusing your positive intention toward a specific person. It stretches you to do this not only toward persons you love, but those you are challenged to love. It is the antidote to the ferocious rage and disgust that has been fostered in our culture through this election season. 

        Here’s how it works.  Come to a quiet place.  Slow down and connect with your breath.  When you feel ready, say the following mantras slowly in your mind. Pause and take a deep breath after saying each one.

• May I be safe, protected, and free from harm.
• May I be happy and content.
• May I accept the joys and hurts of life.
• May I experience ease and well-being.
• May I be healthy, whole and live a long life.

        Now repeat the series four times, replacing “I” with the names of someone you love, the presidential candidate you favor, the presidential candidate you do not favor, and everyone in our nation.

        Yes, you read that right.  The candidate that you cannot imagine winning the While House, the one that gives you a visceral reaction, I want you to offer him loving-kindness. You do this not because he has earned it, you do it because it is the right thing for you to do. Practicing loving-kindness brings you peace of mind. 

       Should you want a deeper dive into learning about loving-kindness, click here to be taking to an article written by mindfulness guru, Jon Kabat-Zinn, which includes an audio meditation. 

       Just one week to go. Keep breathing. Practice loving-kindness. Go vote. We can get through this.