Practicing loving kindness feels better… than being caught up in comparing. Compulsive comparing creates a restlessness that can never be satisfied.
Examples of Compulsive Comparing
Do you know someone who has an immaculate house? Imagine after visiting them or just thinking about them, you might have these thoughts walking inside your own less than perfect home.
- How does she keep everything so clean?
- It really feels bad, seeing all the dust in my house
- I know there’s a candy bar hidden here someplace…
If only we could substitute these thoughts of loving kindness for ourselves instead.
- Perhaps I care about more important things than housework
- But, if I set a timer for 30 minutes and sweep…
- After the timer goes off, I’ll fix a cup of coffee… or herbal tea
Did you feel a difference reading these two very different lists? For me, the comparing list made me frown and furrow my brow.
The second list brought a smile to my face and a lightness in my chest. It’s about offering forgiveness for ourselves.
How to Bring Loving Kindness Home
Mindfulness meditation is the key to bringing loving kindness into your life. Sharon Salzberg is my go to person for learning how to cultivate loving kindness. I’ve completed her 10% Nicer meditation course inside the app, Ten Percent Happier , multiple times.
She has also written several books on loving kindness, available on her website . If you want to experience a ten minute mediation right now, go to A Simple Meditation to Connect With Loving-Kindness, from Sharon Salzberg on mindful.org.
This Seems Too Easy
Yes, it is easy… and also very hard. Like most things, it takes a daily commitment to change. However, if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Rather, start again. Each day dawns with another new opportunity to live happier.
Practicing loving kindness feels better… than comparing ourselves to others. Just think what a different world it would be if you practice loving kindness for yourself and others. Start right now.
Sending you loving kindness,
Dawn
