Loving-Kindness & Meditatiom

When we are younger we think we are invincible and we are owed the
things that are done for us by loved ones and friends. We often forget
gratitude and compassion, but as I get older I realize it is important
to let people know how much they are loved and appreciated. I am ever
evolving and each day I feel a little wiser and stronger and more love,
so as I continue on my journey to achieve wholeness, and to help others.
I am practicing daily showing gratitude, loving-kindness and meditation.
I continue to do for others despite their lack of humility, respect and
gratitude, because my heart tells me it’s the right thing to do and I do
so because of the self-satisfaction I receive.

The loving-kindness exercise was a little hard for me because it meant
that I had to deal with some of the things that didn't always allowed me
to be compassionate and at times grateful. Practicing to give love to
everyone around me, including people I felt don't always have my best
interest at heart was very hard. The mind is amazing, and once we are
able to concentrate and focus our energy on achieving balance, the
practice becomes a little easier each time.
In order to extend compassion and love towards others, we must be able
to feel it within ourselves, if we are able to feel the effect of
loving-kindness from within then we are able to show it to others. We
must first acknowledge our own suffering and struggles and embrace it,
and transform feelings of hopelessness, lost and alone to universal love.

The feeling of calm that comes from meditating is rewarding in stressful
times. I must admit that focusing was very hard for me, keeping a mental
calendar of my days activities and always feeling hurried because there
was so much to do and not enough hours in the day to accomplish them.
Less than five minutes can restructure my thought process, and realize
that I created my own stress. I learn to say no, and allow myself to
take the time I need for myself. I am on a life long journey to
achieving wholeness, the road may get bumpy at times, but so far I am
enjoying the ride, and I believe that it will get better each day.