Welcome.
Thank you for joining me for this Just Like Me meditation.
This practice helps us shift from irritation,
Resentment,
Or judgment of another person into a more neutral,
Open,
And even loving space.
I also offer a longer version of this practice for situations that need more tenderness,
Depth,
And time.
Let's begin this shorter version of the Just Like Me practice.
Finding your seat.
Sitting in an upright yet relaxed posture.
Sitting with some dignity.
Bring to mind someone you are currently feeling tension with.
Someone who stirred irritation or hurt or judgment within you.
Now begin to really see them.
Picture their face,
Their expression,
Their hair,
Their posture,
The way they carry themselves.
Let the image become clear as if they were right in front of you.
Just take a moment to become more intimate with this image.
Noticing the details,
Allowing them to feel real.
Notice that this is a real person with a life as complex and meaningful as your own.
With a clear image of this person in your mind.
Silently repeat these phrases.
This person has a body and a mind just like me.
This person has experienced physical and emotional pain and suffering just like me.
This person has been sad,
Disappointed,
Angry,
Hurt just like me.
This person has felt unworthy and inadequate just like me.
This person worries and is frightened sometimes just like me.
This person has longed for friendship,
Connection,
And belonging just like me.
This person wishes to be happy just like me.
This person wishes to be safe and healthy just like me.
This person wishes to be loved just like me.
Now allow some wishes for well-being to arise in your heart.
I wish that this person have the strength,
Resources,
And social support to navigate the difficulties of life with ease.
I wish that this person be free from pain and suffering,
I wish that this person be peaceful and happy,
I wish that this person is loved because this person is a fellow human being just like me.
Taking a moment to notice what has shifted,
Giving yourself some real care and gratitude for this healing work.