#105
Bringing Comfort And Easing Pain
This is a very simple Lifeline that I hope brings comfort and joy to you, and to those you know who are in any way suffering. It is a beautiful thing we can all do in a world that is suffering
Perhaps it is you that could use some compassion, loving words, companionship, warmth. Or maybe you are concerned for someone in particular, a family, a country who is undergoing some difficulty or pain.
It is easy to feel helpless in the face of suffering. But I would like to offer you a simple practice that will bring more light into other people’s hearts and minds, and peace and comfort to your own.
The practice is called Tonglen, and the person most associated with this form of quiet meditation is Pema Chodron. Here is a link to a 4 minute video where she explains Tonglen and guides you through a two minute practice.
The Steps Are As Follows:
- Make a choice as to where you would like to focus. Who would you like to gift this to? Maybe you, or a dear friend are dealing with an illness, loneliness, a divorce, a loss of some kind. Perhaps your heart goes out to those that need shelter or safety. Or you might sense the distress of people in a country at war, or experiencing famine or drought and want to ease their fear and pain.
- Sitting comfortably breathe in the wish to remove suffering. In that breath imagine connecting with all those who share this situation.
- As you exhale visualise creating space for comfort and happiness. Allow that to extend outwards connecting others, and helping hearts and minds find some peace. It may help to imagine a field of energy, or a colour, moving outwards from your heart.
Continue doing this for a couple of minutes, or for as long as you want. Enjoy the sensation of connection and peace as it washes over you.
With warmest of wishes for you and those you love,
