Image by iStockSusan Piver shares her practice for loving all of your imperfections and contradictions.
Begin by offering loving-kindness to yourself in your ordinary form. This is the “you” that you see in the mirror.
Next, imagine yourself as a beloved. See yourself through the eyes of love and offer loving-kindness to this version of yourself. No matter how puny you may feel right now, there are still parts of you that you simply love. See this.
Next, see yourself as your most important teacher. There is a part of you that is wise and intuitive. Offer this “you” loving-kindness.
Move on to the view of yourself as a stranger. There are parts of you that you just can’t see, parts that are shrouded and mysterious. Offer loving-kindness to this stranger that is you.
After this, bring to mind yourself as an “enemy.” This does not mean what you dislike about yourself. It refers to the part of you that is most fragile and wounded, and therefore acts in ways that create chaos for you and those in your life. See yourself as this person who is laboring under great confusion. Offer loving-kindness to this version of yourself.
Finally, bring all of these fascinating, beautiful, difficult pieces together and offer loving-kindness to all of you.
THANK YOU FOR READING LION’S ROAR. CAN WE ASK FOR YOUR HELP?
At Lion’s Roar, our mission is to communicate Buddhist wisdom in today’s world. The connections we share with you — our readers — are what drive us to fulfill this mission.
Today, we’re asking you to make a further connection with Lion’s Roar. Can you help us with a donation today?
As an independent nonprofit committed to sharing Buddhist wisdom in all its diversity and breadth, Lion’s Roar depends on the support of readers like you. If you have felt the benefit of Buddhist practice and wisdom in your own life, please support our work so that many others can benefit, too.
Please donate today — your support makes all the difference.
Lion’s Roar is a registered charity in the US and Canada. All US & Canadian donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
