Hello and welcome to this guided meditation,
One in the series called Leading from Within.
As we begin,
Let's take a few deep breaths together.
Slowly inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth,
Allowing for a slight sigh.
Now repeat this breath two times on your own.
Allow your breath to return to a normal pace.
Now close your eyes or soften your gaze.
Set your intention for this moment for opening your heart and your mind to loving-kindness.
Practicing loving-kindness allows us to expand our effectiveness as leaders.
Through practice,
We can shift our internal response to negativity.
We can learn to notice our stress response more quickly and improve how we respond externally with compassion.
Now let's practice loving-kindness in three parts.
Begin by offering loving-kindness to yourself.
Say these words out loud or softly,
Silently in a loving tone.
May I be safe.
May I be respected.
May I be healthy.
May I be at ease.
You may repeat any or all of these phrases of loving-kindness for yourself.
Next,
Think of someone who is kind,
Supportive,
Engaging.
Perhaps someone you admire in your work organization.
Now imagine their presence offering these phrases to them.
May you be safe.
May you be respected.
May you be healthy.
May you be at ease.
Now call to mind a colleague who perhaps is experiencing challenges.
These challenges could be personal.
Perhaps they're impacting their performance.
Or maybe it is a colleague with whom you are experiencing relationship challenges.
Offer these phrases of loving-kindness to them.
May you be safe.
May you be respected.
May you be healthy.
May you be at ease.
Now let's offer the phrases of loving-kindness to your entire organization.
Open your heart to cultivate compassion that includes yourself.
Offer these phrases of loving-kindness.
May we be safe.
May we be respected.
May we be healthy.
May we be at ease.
Now bring your awareness to your body,
To your heart center.
Notice how you feel after this practice.
Noticing any tensions being released in your body.
Noticing perhaps a softness in your heart.
Take a moment today to reflect.
How might offering loving-kindness impact your leadership?
And how might you keep loving-kindness as a regular practice?
These reflection questions are listed in this meditation's caption.
And as we close today,
Remember you are exceptional,
You are brave,
And you are resilient.
Be well.
