Hello,
My name is Dori Fontaine.
I'm the recently retired Dean of Nursing at the University of Virginia.
Welcome to each of you.
I understand we have alumni,
Parents,
Students,
Faculty,
Staff,
And friends,
Hundreds of them from all over the world.
So thank you so much for joining us during these difficult days of social isolation and anxiety for many.
Today we come together to celebrate our connections and honor each other in our own way.
As a nurse,
I know how our lives are all linked and interconnected.
And today I believe we can strengthen these connections.
I invite you to join me now in a practice of loving kindness meditation,
Which is one of my favorite practices,
And it's been around for over 2000 years.
So let us begin.
Find a comfortable sitting position.
Cast your eyes softly down or close your eyes.
Take a deep breath and exhale slowly and relax your body.
Bring to mind a loved one,
Perhaps someone who's been kind to you.
You can smile as you think of this person.
If you like,
You can put your hand over your heart as you say their name to yourself.
And recite these phrases as you think of this person.
May you be well and happy.
May you be free from harm.
May you live with ease and peace.
So let that vision fade.
And next,
Bring to mind all your family and friends wherever they may be.
And recite these phrases as you think of all of them.
May you be well and happy.
May you be free from harm.
May you live with ease and peace.
And let that vision fade.
Then bring to mind someone you might have a misunderstanding with.
Maybe not a major conflict,
Just a misunderstanding.
And offer to that person,
May you be well and happy.
May you be free from harm.
May you live with ease and peace.
Next consider all beings everywhere on the globe,
Especially the many persons we know who are suffering.
And include everyone here today.
And offer,
May you be well and happy.
May you be free from harm.
May you live with ease and peace.
Finally,
Let's offer the same loving kindness to ourselves.
May I be well and happy.
May I be free from harm.
May I live with ease and peace.
Take another deep breath.
And exhale slowly,
Sending love and care long distance for all we mentioned today.
When you are ready,
You can open your eyes.
Thank you for joining and connecting with us all today.
And please join us next week.
We have a special guest,
Our very own President Ryan will be joining us.
And the meditation will be led by Owsley Brown III.
Thank you and have a wonderful day.
