Are You Fueling Or Stopping The Cycle Of Pain?

This Week's Simple Tip

Have you ever had one of those restless nights when you can't sleep because something is on your mind? I had one the other night. After lying in bed wide awake for hours, I finally got up. I was bothered by someone's action that had involved me. Instead of reading or getting on my computer to hopefully tire myself, I decided to try a forgiveness and empathy exercise. I got comfortable in a chair, took some deep breaths, and recited the following loving kindness blessing for myself:

May I be filled with loving kindness. May I be safe from inner and outer dangers. May I be well in mind and body. May I be at ease and happy.

I repeated the blessing four more times, but this time for others instead of myself. I substituted "I" with:

1st. The name of a loved one 2nd. The name of someone I am in conflict with, or keeping me awake :) 3rd. The description of someone neutral in my life, e.g. the helpful clerk 4th. All of humanity When I finished and went back to bed, I slept like a baby! Why? Interestingly, the emotions of forgiveness and empathy rewire our brains. Check out how it happens in this 3-minute clip ...

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This Week's Focus

This week, besides taking some time off for the long Labor Day weekend like I'll be doing, practice forgiveness. Whether you use the loving kindness blessing or the exercise in the video, you'll welcome the resulting sense of tranquility and acceptance.

Click on the serenity sticky to print, cut and post on your bathroom mirror to remind you of this week's focus. Good luck!