This past Tuesday was the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. While the winter solstice officially marks the beginning of winter, to me it represents the beginning of a new year, as days begin to grow longer again. That evening, as I reflected on the past year, I felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude and compassion for everyone. For my friends and family, of course, but also for all those people working overtime to provide Covid tests so others can travel and visit family for the holidays. For the delivery people making sure our packages arrive on time, despite major supply chain issues. For the people working in my grandmothers’ retirement community who provide such kind, attentive care. It’s been a tough year, yes, and yet many people have contributed small acts of kindness that make the world a more humane place.
To honour these acts, instead of a poem, I felt moved this week to share my favourite Buddhist meditation, which is called a loving-kindness meditation. The intention of this meditation is to cultivate feelings of goodwill, kindness, and compassion for all beings. There are many variations on the actual words, but the typical structure of this meditation is to repeat the blessing four times: first, for someone close to you who is easy to love; second, to yourself; third, to someone about whom you feel neutral (I think of my neighbour who collects my mail for me when I’m away); and finally, to all beings.
If you are able, I invite you to take a few minutes and follow the structure, speaking the words out loud as you envision different recipients for the blessing. Breathe deeply between each one. Only good can come from putting more positive energy into the world.
Merry Christmas to all those who are celebrating. I’ll be back with a poem on New Year’s Eve.
