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Lesson 05 of 6 · The Traditions

Loving-kindness (metta).

A practice for the harder people in your life.

Voice: Buddhist tradition · Theravāda · 4 min read

"May all beings be happy. May all beings be free from suffering."

Traditional metta phrase

Metta is the practice of repeating a small blessing, first for yourself, then someone you love, then someone neutral, then someone difficult, then all beings.

The phrases are simple: May I be safe. May I be well. May I live with ease. Repeat them slowly. Let them do their small, patient work.

Why the difficult person matters

Sending goodwill to someone you resent will feel dishonest at first. That's the practice. You are not endorsing what they did — you are refusing to let carrying them cost you your peace.

Try it now

Repeat: May I be safe. May I be well. May I live with ease. Then send the same to one other person.

05:00

Worth remembering

  • ·Start with yourself.
  • ·The difficult person is the point of the practice.
  • ·Repetition is the medicine.
Continue: When your mind will not quiet.