“The Pali (an early language of Inda) word ‘Metta’ is commonly translated in English as ‘loving-kindness.’  Metta signifies friendship and non-violence as well as “a strong wish for the happiness of others.”  Metta is a very specific form of love — a caring for another independent of all self-interest — and thus is likened to one’s love for one’s child or parent. Understandably, this energy is often difficult to describe with words; however, in the practice of Metta meditation, one recites specific words and phrases in order to evoke this “boundless warm-hearted feeling.”  The strength of this feeling is not limited to or by family, religion, or social class.  Indeed, Metta is a tool that permits one’s generosity and kindness to be applied to all beings and, as a consequence, one finds true happiness in another person’s happiness, no matter who the individual is.”

Greetings Dearest Yoga Students

If you were in class this past week, you undoubtedly felt the power of the Metta Meditation in your practice and possibly in your life.  When we recite metta, we create that energy of loving kindness towards ourselves and others.  In fact, whatever we focus our minds on manifests itself in an energy that moves inside of us and releases towards others.  If we focus on fear, pain or hopelessness, we genergate a negative energy which ultimately ends up releasing on others around us.  If we focus on happiness, joy and acceptance, that too will radiate through us to others.  The art of loving kindness is a practice.  Metta is a formal, simple way to practice cultivating loving kindness.  You may want to try reciting the following phrases in a specific order.

May you be safe and protected.
May you be peaceful and happy.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you walk in this world with ease.
Ater metta flows easily to yourself, try to incorporate sending metta in the following  order or pick one to focus on at each sitting.

A loved one or dear friend
A neutral person (someone you neither like nor dislike)
A difficult person (no need to start with the most difficult person, but someone whom you have a distaste for)
All beings, individuals, personalities, creatures (or break it  up further by saying: All beings who are suffering,  All children, All teachers, etc.)
The power of metta is one that has to be experienced.  Look to this day with unconditional love and spread metta as far and wide as your heart can open.

Classes for this Week
Monday and Thursday Evening at 730pm
Tuesday Morning at 930a with Metitation at 11am
Friday Morning Healing Yoga at 930am
Please reserve your spot in class or cancel if your plans have changed.
Hope to see you in class.
Namaste and much metta to you all

Amy