Embracing the New Year with Loving Kindness: The Practice of Metta Bhavana
As we step into the new year, we often make resolutions—pledging to become better, to accomplish more, to be healthier, or to strengthen our connections with others. But what if we approached this new beginning not with a list of goals, but with the simple, yet profound, intention of loving kindness? This is where the practice of Metta Bhavana comes into play.
What is Metta Bhavana?
Metta Bhavana is a Pali term that translates to “the cultivation of loving kindness.” Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, this practice invites us to generate unconditional love, compassion, and goodwill, not just for others, but for ourselves as well. It is often referred to as a heart-based meditation practice, where the practitioner systematically sends out thoughts of kindness and well-wishing to various beings, ultimately expanding their heart’s capacity for love and empathy.
The term Metta refers to benevolent love, and Bhavana means “cultivation” or “development.” This practice involves intentionally fostering a state of loving awareness, offering love freely without attachment to any outcome. It is a process of nurturing and developing positive, altruistic emotions, starting with ourselves and gradually expanding to others.
The Origins of Metta Bhavana
Metta Bhavana comes from the Buddhist tradition, particularly from the Theravada school of Buddhism. It is part of the Brahmaviharas or “Divine Abodes,” which also include compassion (Karuna), sympathetic joy (Mudita), and equanimity (Upekkha). These are four states of mind that can be cultivated for the development of wisdom, inner peace, and harmonious relationships with the world.
Loving kindness, in the Buddhist view, is an antidote to the toxic emotions of anger, fear, and resentment. By cultivating Metta, we are gradually able to transform our inner world, creating space for love and compassion to thrive. It is believed that Metta practice can dissolve negative emotions, heal wounds, and deepen our sense of interconnectedness with all beings, fostering peace both within and without.
Why Start the Year with Loving Kindness?
Beginning the year with loving kindness is a gentle invitation to let go of past burdens and open ourselves up to new possibilities with a heart full of love. Here are a few compelling reasons to start the year with Metta Bhavana:
Cultivating Self-Love and Compassion: In a world that often encourages us to be our harshest critics, the practice of Metta offers us the opportunity to treat ourselves with kindness, gentleness, and care. It teaches us that we deserve the same love and compassion we so readily extend to others.
Creating a Positive Mindset: When we begin our day—or year—with loving thoughts, we set the tone for the rest of our actions. Loving kindness becomes the foundation for a positive and open mindset, helping us to navigate challenges with patience and clarity.
Strengthening Relationships: By cultivating love and compassion for others—friends, family, strangers, and even those with whom we may have conflicts—we create stronger, more compassionate relationships. Metta helps us to see the humanity in everyone, allowing us to connect more deeply and authentically.
Inviting Peace and Healing: Loving kindness is a healing force. By focusing on sending love to ourselves and others, we create a space for inner peace. This peace can radiate outwards, affecting our environment and contributing to the healing of our world.
How to Practice Metta Bhavana
Metta Bhavana is a simple practice, but its effects are profound. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to begin:
Find a Quiet Space
Sit in a comfortable position, either on a chair or cushion. Close your eyes, relax your body, and focus on your breath. Allow yourself to settle into the present moment.Start with Yourself
Begin by directing loving kindness towards yourself. Silently repeat phrases such as:
May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be safe. May I live with ease.
As you repeat these phrases, bring your attention to the feelings of love and compassion. Allow these feelings to grow, noticing how they feel in your body and heart.Extend Love to Others
After you’ve cultivated love for yourself, gradually extend these well-wishes to others in your life. Start with those you feel neutral towards, then move to those you love, and eventually, to those you may have difficulties with. Some phrases to use include:
May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you live with ease.
Visualize each person receiving these words and feeling the warmth and kindness of your wishes.Expand to All Beings
Finally, extend your loving kindness to all beings in the world. You might say, May all beings be happy. May all beings be healthy. May all beings be safe. May all beings live with ease. Imagine your love and kindness flowing out to all people, animals, and the entire Earth.Sit in the Peaceful State
After completing the practice, sit in silence for a few moments, feeling the loving energy you’ve cultivated. Allow yourself to absorb the peace and contentment it brings.
The Power of Loving Kindness in 2025
As we step into the challenges and opportunities of the new year, practicing Metta Bhavana can help us approach life with more openness, patience, and love. It reminds us that we don’t need to chase after perfection, but can embrace the beauty of our journey with compassion for ourselves and others.
Starting the year with Metta sets a powerful intention: to let love be our guide. In every challenge, may we respond with compassion. In every moment, may we choose kindness. In every relationship, may we nurture understanding and respect.
This is the gift of Metta Bhavana. May we all walk into 2025 with hearts open, ready to share our love with the world. 🪽
OFFERINGS
FREE CIRCLE
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎉🥂🎊✨🥳 I hope you all had a fantastic New Year Celebration! Welcome into 2025 - and things are just beginning... let's make it a strong beginning - a good beginning! Let's celebrate, intend and manifest together this month in the FREE CIRCLE - we pray and visualize and VISION BOARD together and create the energies we want for ourselves in 2025. It's time we RULE our lives Ladies, and it's time we take charge of the images we allow to influence our thoughts, focus, dreams, ideas, potentials, opportunities and subsequent manifestations and lived experience. Sometimes it's hard to do on our own, but together in a group, there is an energy which has always lifted people into a superhuman experience - time and time again. Let's DO THIS!
Join in - FREE! https://hellokarleen.as.me/?appointmentType=72576068
Date: January 12, 2025 10 AM EST on Zoom
🌟 2025 Unfolding: What’s Ahead? Join Our Exclusive Live Zoom Gathering! 🌟
Dear Beautiful Souls,
2025 is almost fully here, and the energy is shifting in exciting new ways! This is a year of fantastic fast growth, transformation, and deep alignment. I’m thrilled to invite you to a special live Zoom session for paid Patreon Members, where we’ll dive into the energetic themes and opportunities that await us in the coming year.
✨ What to Expect:
Guided Intuition and Insights: I’ll be sharing powerful messages and intuitive insights to help you understand what 2025 holds.
Practical Guidance: Learn how to align with the energy of 2025 to make it your most prosperous and fulfilling year yet!
Group Interaction: Connect with like-minded souls in a sacred space where we can share, reflect, and grow together. You’ll leave feeling inspired, centered, and ready for what’s ahead.
This live gathering is exclusively for my beloved Patrons and promises to be an empowering, uplifting experience. Whether you’re looking to explore new opportunities, deepen your spiritual journey, or tap into the magic of the upcoming year, this session will provide the clarity and tools you need.
I can’t wait to share this beautiful moment with you all. Let’s step into 2025 together, with open hearts and bright intentions!
In September 2025, embark on an unforgettable adventure to a land steeped in mystery and rich with unsolved historical intrigue. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the south of France, following in the footsteps of seekers who came before us. Together, we will explore the sacred geometry of the region and delve into the fascinating history of the Cathars, Mary Magdalene, and the enigmatic Rennes-le-Château.
Are you ready to experience something truly extraordinary? Join a small, intimate group of like-minded souls and forge connections that could last a lifetime. This retreat promises not just discovery, but transformation. Learn more here:
The Spirit of Mary Magdalene Tour 2025
You can still book your Year Ahead Reading for 2025✨here:
https://hellokarleen.as.me/?appointmentType=70756869
Wishing you all the very best for the interesting year ahead! 🪽
