The practice of Loving Kindness could be a pathway to improved emotional wellbeing, greater empathy, and connection with others. The Buddhist origins of Loving Kindness are steeped in the idea that we can cultivate kindness towards all people, in a way that is unselfish and unconditional. This practice can be used as a tool, not only for personal healing, but also inter-group reconciliation, because just as we do not ourselves seek to suffer, we could wish for others to be free from pain and suffering as well. Through Loving Kindness we can purposefully extend loving kindness to oppressed and marginalized people, as well as those with whom we disagree.
Here is a handout on some Loving Kindness techniques to get you started in this practice.
