Hi friend.
Let's begin by taking a moment to allow your body to settle into a comfortable position.
You may close your eyes or keep them slightly open,
Allowing the spine to lift,
The shoulders to soften.
Today we bring awareness to the similarities between ourselves and others.
Often we focus on differences,
But realizing that even a person who seems very different from us is in a fundamental way just like us can become the basis of real connection.
This can include people we don't know very well,
People with whom we're in conflict,
Or even people we consider enemies.
It's possible to develop a sense of compassion and understanding by feeling our shared experience as human beings.
This practice call,
Just like me,
Can help overcome that sense of difference and distrust by opening channels of compassion.
Allow yourself to take a deep breath in and a long breath out,
And as you breathe out,
Allow in a sense of releasing any tension that you are holding in the body.
Briefly scan through your body,
Noticing sensations or emotions,
Inviting a sense of spaciousness and acceptance for whatever you are experiencing right now.
Now bring someone to mind that you don't know very well or who might seem different or distant from you,
Or even someone with whom you are in a minor conflict.
As you bring this person to mind,
Notice if you experience any shifts and sensations in your body.
Holding this person in mind as if they were in front of you,
Say to yourself,
This person has a body and a mind just like me.
This person has feelings,
Emotions,
And thoughts just like me.
This person has at some point in his or her life been sad,
Disappointed,
Angry,
Hurt,
Or confused just like me.
This person has,
In his or her life,
Experienced physical and emotional pain and suffering just like me.
Like me,
This person has experienced moments of peace,
Joy,
And happiness.
This person wishes to have fulfilling relationships just like me.
This person wishes to be healthy and loved just like me.
Now take a moment to sense how you're feeling.
As you hold this person in your awareness,
What do you experience?
And now as you consider this person,
Send them good wishes.
May they be well.
May they be happy.
As we move to a close,
Return your awareness to the breath.
Allow yourself to take a deep breath in and a long breath out.
Being present,
Alive,
And connected right here,
Right now.
As we start to come to an end,
Think of someone whom you'll meet today or think of the next person you expect to see today.
If it is the end of the day,
The first person you will meet tomorrow.
Take a moment to consider how that person is just like you silently.
For example,
You may say this person wants to be loved just like me or this person wants to do a good job just like me.
After your interaction with them,
Consider this question.
How does this affect your perceptions of or experience with this person change,
If at all?
I wish you peace,
Joy,
And happiness.
