Simple techniques to cultivate Loving Kindness, Compassion, and Mindful Awareness in our daily lives.
“Homework” is the word I use for ‘Off-the-Cushion’ practices that we can use in our daily life.
These purpose of these practices is to engage the felt sense of care and understanding that we experience during our formal seated practice within the daily activity of our lives.
“That which we give our attention to grows stronger in our life.” Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Discovering Present Moment Benefactors
With the intention to rediscover the innate goodness of those around us, try to notice those little moments of kindness that occur with us and around us each and every day:
- A kind word of encouragement that comes just when we need it
- Someone holding a door for us or an unexpected offer of help
- Newly noticing the beauty of the natural world around us
- A word of encouragement or a simple smile from a stranger
- A gift of food that someone brings to share with you
- etc.
See what YOU can notice, what resonates with you. These are the ‘present moment’ or ‘in-the-moment’ benefactors that you can notice and relate to each and every day.
A fellow meditator from our group, Ron, said, “Look to those ‘accidental’ benefactors as the true spiritual benefactors.”
- Advanced Benefactor Practice: Write down or journal your experiences at the end of each day, recalling the felt sense of loving kindness or care that you experienced.
- More Advanced Intention Practice: Set your intention at the beginning of the day to notice and be aware of all the moments when You are a benefactor for others; when you help them in some way to feel safe, appreciated, connected, worthy or just acknowledged their own basic goodness.
Home 