Day 34: Global Kindness

Welcome to 40 Days of Mindfulness and Compassion Day 34!

 

Lecture

Global appreciation is, to a great degree, a state of mind that perceives the interconnectedness and goodness that exists in the world. Global kindness is state of mind that wants the best for the world. By cultivating kindness, we soften the edges of resentments, assumptions and prejudices.

Yesterday, resistances were discussed in the context of cultivating global appreciation. I cannot emphasize enough that, when practicing cultivation practices, resistances are normal and natural. I have not heard it typically framed this way, but to some extent the purpose of cultivation practices is for us to encounter and work with resistances. Imagine that I am extremely out of shape, and I establish a personal goal of completing a half-marathon. As I train, many physical and psychological resistances will emerge. Nothing is wrong with me. Natural reactions are simply emerging that challenge pre-established physical and psychological habits and limitations. As these are “stretched,” it is quite natural for backlash to occur.

If our compassion or kindness has limits, then logically we will confront those limits when pursuing practices that broaden kindness and compassion. When people begin mindfulness practice, it sometimes seems like the mind is getting “crazier,” but likely, that results from simply being aware of and noticing a little more of what is going on. The same can happen in a cultivation practice such as kindness cultivation. The practice of cultivating and extending kindness can result in barriers becoming more noticeable.

The flip side of this is, as kindness  emerges, is that joy and happiness and other desirable states do as well. We all know what each of these “extremes” is like. We know what it feels like to be peaceful, kind and happy. And, for example, we know what it is like to feel guarded, apprehensive and on edge. As practice becomes more stable, it can be increasingly possible to hold this tension in gentle awareness. As this is done time and time again, the kindness ( or compassion, appreciation etc.) become stronger and more sustainable. It is not one or the other. But rather, as both can be allowed to “be there,” the kindness may organically strengthen.

A powerful way to facilitate this process is through “broadening” practices. In this step extending kindness outside of typical comfort zones is considered. To me, this term “considered” is quite important. As kindness is extended and broadened, our edges will be reached. In “normal”life, this is a point when it is natural to turn away or to respond in ways other than with kindness. In the practice, it is important to be willing to sit with this tension and tap into the intention of kindness. If this is not possible, then the possibility of tapping into the intention can be considered. In other words, we remain as open and gentle as possible, and return to the practice again and again just as in breathing meditation.

In this way, our “kindness muscle” gets strengthened and sustained.

 

Meditation

Meditation Day 34: Global Kindness

 

Self-Reflective Activity

 

 

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