We are being asked to practice social distancing in this crisis.
How can we connect deeply while social distancing?
You may have seen the video of people singing out of their windows in Italy in a beautiful act of humanity.
Let us connect deeply as we practice social distancing through this meditation.
This is a wonderful meditation that we can practice with to cultivate our connection just by mentally sending our goodwill,
Kindness and warmth.
This is Suresh.
Welcome to this meditation.
You can practice this meditation either sitting up or lying down.
Keep your eyes closed and start to notice your breath.
Now say the word Maitri a few times silently to yourself on each exhale.
Maitri Maitri Maitri Maitri is a Sanskrit word.
It means loving kindness,
Friendliness,
Goodwill and an active interest in others.
Now repeat the word Dhana a few times on your exhale.
Dhana Dhana Dhana Dhana.
This Sanskrit word means gift.
You're going to practice Maitri dana,
The gift of friendship with this meditation.
Now bring to your mind's eye a person close to you who loves you very much.
Imagine them standing right in front of you,
Sending you all their love.
They're sending you wishes for your safety and your health at this time.
Now imagine a circle forming around you with all the people who care for you.
Let your imagination flow.
Slowly bring them into the circle one by one.
They're all holding hands and warmly sending you their love.
All of them are sending you wishes for your safety and your health.
They're standing by your favorite tree and its flowers are in full bloom.
You can smell its sweet fragrance.
And spontaneously they all start to chant,
May you be safe,
May you be healthy,
May you be resilient.
You're smiling and beaming.
You in turn look at each one of them and chant,
May you be safe,
May you be healthy,
May you be resilient.
May you be safe,
May you be healthy,
May you be resilient.
You next focus on your neighborhood.
Everyone is staying home and staying safe.
You bring your neighbors to mind one by one.
Bring into your mind a few of your neighbors.
Repeat to all of them,
May you be safe,
May you be healthy,
May you be resilient.
Next,
Focus on all those people,
Part of businesses you frequented but are closed now.
Your favorite restaurant or your local bookstore,
Bring into your mind some of them.
Repeat to all those people,
May you be safe,
May you be healthy,
May you be resilient.
Positive thoughts and feelings are flowing in you.
You start to chant,
May all be safe,
May all be healthy,
May all be resilient.
May all be safe,
May all be healthy,
May all be resilient.
Now take a deep breath in and breathe out.
And another deep breath in and just let it go.
Notice the state of your mind and how you feel after this meditation.
Thank you for joining me.
This Maitri Dana meditation is a great way to cultivate your connection just by mentally sending your goodwill,
Kindness and warmth.
There is research evidence that when you practice this type of meditation regularly,
You start automatically reacting more positively to others.
Let me end with this Sanskrit hymn.
Loka Samastra Swasti Bhavanto.
Shanti,
Shanti,
Shanti.
May all beings be healthy.
Peace,
Peace,
Peace.
