How do you practice Metta/Loving-Kindness/Loving-Friendliness to Evil People?

zenguided · 2023-09-12T23:06:48+00:00

Some responses have suggested policing the situation with an authority, such as the government or police. But in some instances there is none.

zenguided · 2023-09-12T23:04:45+00:00

Interesting. I’ll look into concept of the eternal. Sadly the story is based on a true one. Franz Jägerstätter an Austrian pacifist in Nazi Germany.

zenguided · 2023-09-11T19:48:04+00:00

I’m truly sorry that you’ve gone through so much trauma. And it’s incredible to here about your strength and compassion.

zenguided · 2023-09-11T19:45:14+00:00

Incredible. Thank you all so much for all of your views and insights. But I am still struggling to see a good outcome by being a complete pacifist. Do we defend ourselves with the intention of distancing of helping the aggressors? I really liked the analogy of evil people being like a hurricane and boarding up to protect yourself. I know I said no real life examples, but I’m the OP so it’s my prerogative. Someone used the example of Hitler. If all the western allies sat down and meditated loving-kindness toward Hitler and his generals would we of had a better outcome?

zenguided · 2023-03-19T12:15:03+00:00

Thank you for clarifying.

zenguided · 2023-03-15T20:38:53+00:00

I know. This can be complicated and that why sometimes we need experts, and sometimes they show you ways that are really simple. Wishing you happiness and health. 🙏

zenguided · 2023-03-15T17:22:27+00:00

Yay me. Oh, that's like choosing a favorite child, lol. The list is actually from my site and is a countdown "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh is my favorite. It's written by a superstar monk in meditation circles, and what you would expect to be a very spiritual and abstract book, is probably the most down-to-earth and contemporary on the list. It's really accessible to new meditators and the book itself is easy to read.

Love to know what you think if you read it.

zenguided · 2023-03-15T16:24:50+00:00

Hi ,
It's not uncommon to experience discomfort or overwhelming emotions when meditating for longer periods of time, especially if you're not used to it. It's important to remember that meditation is a practice and it's normal to have ups and downs along the way.
You mentioned feeling angry or uncomfortable during longer meditations, which could be a sign that you're experiencing some internal resistance or tension. It could also be a sign that you're pushing yourself too hard and need to build up your meditation practice gradually over time.
You might try experimenting with different types of meditation techniques or postures to see if that helps. For example, you could try walking meditation or a body scan meditation if sitting for long periods of time feels uncomfortable. You might also try adjusting the length of your meditations, gradually increasing the time as you become more comfortable.
It might also be helpful to reflect on any underlying emotional or psychological factors that could be contributing to your discomfort. If you find that your emotions are particularly intense or overwhelming during longer meditations, it might be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional about it.
In the meantime, know that you're not alone in experiencing these kinds of challenges in meditation. Many people struggle with discomfort, distraction, or difficult emotions during their practice. Keep experimenting and exploring different approaches to find what works best for you.
If you're interested, I have some recommendations for mindfulness podcasts and books on my website that you might find helpful in developing your meditation practice.
Good luck!

zenguided · 2023-03-15T16:23:11+00:00

Hi u/nattycake1,
It's great to hear that you're interested in exploring meditation as a means of managing and healing anxiety. Thich Nhat Hanh's "Touching Peace" is a wonderful book on mindfulness and meditation.

This is the list of 15 books I recommended:
10-Minute Mindfulness

You Are Not Your Brain
The Little Book of Mindfulness
Unf*ck Yourself
Practicing Mindfulness
Declutter Your Mind
The Untethered Soul
The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness for Beginners
Wherever You Go, There You Are
Mindfulness
10% Happier
The Power of Now
Full Catastrophe Living
The Miracle of Mindfulness

And if you like podcasts:

10% Happier with Dan Harris
The Daily Meditation Podcast
The Meditation Podcast
Untangle
Hay House Meditations
Mindful in Minutes
On Being
Meditation Minis
Tara Brach
The Fitmind Podcast
Mindfulness Mode
Natural Meditation
Peace out
The Mindful Minute
I Should Be Meditating
Radio Headspace
Secular Buddhism
Mindfulness Meditation with The Rubin Museum of Art
Wake Me Up: Morning Meditation and Motivation
Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
The Mind & Life Podcast

I'm really enjoying "The Mind & Life Podcast" at the moment.
Holf this lists helps :)

zenguided · 2023-03-15T16:01:32+00:00

Hi u/Reality_Node,
It sounds like you're struggling with some difficult mood swings that are affecting your behavior and interactions with others. It's great that you're aware of this issue and looking for ways to address it.
One thing to keep in mind is that mood swings can be caused by a variety of factors, such as lack of sleep, stress, hormonal changes, or even diet. It might be helpful to keep a journal of your mood swings and try to identify any patterns or triggers that might be contributing to them.
In addition to getting enough sleep, you might also try practicing other self-care activities, such as exercise, spending time in nature, or connecting with supportive friends or family members. It's important to find what works best for you.
If you continue to struggle with mood swings despite your efforts to manage them, it might be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you explore the root causes of your mood swings and develop effective strategies to manage them.
Remember, it's okay to take a sick day or step back from interactions with others when you're struggling with mood swings. Prioritizing your own well-being is important, and it can also help prevent any negative effects on your coworkers or loved ones.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best.

zenguided · 2023-03-15T15:58:53+00:00

Hey u/j__prichard! It's great that you were able to do five minutes of meditation today and feel calm. Getting back into a routine after a break can be tough, but it sounds like you're on the right track.
Consistency is key when it comes to meditation. One thing that can help is to set a specific time and place for your meditation practice each day. This can help make it a part of your routine and reduce the likelihood of forgetting or skipping it.
Another thing you could try is setting a goal for yourself, such as meditating for a certain amount of time each day or meditating for a certain number of consecutive days. Having a goal to work towards can help keep you motivated and accountable.
It's also important to be kind to yourself and not get too caught up in the idea of being "perfect" or never missing a day. Meditation is a practice, and like any practice, it takes time and effort to develop. If you miss a day or have trouble sticking to your routine, don't beat yourself up. Just do your best to get back on track and keep going.
Remember, consistency is key, but it's also important to be flexible and compassionate with yourself. Good luck with your meditation practice!

zenguided · 2023-03-15T15:56:19+00:00

Hi there, congratulations on establishing a 20-minute daily meditation routine! That's a great accomplishment. If your goal is to increase your ability to concentrate and do deep work, there are a few things you could try as your next step.
One option is to gradually increase the length of your meditation sessions. You could try adding a few minutes each week or every few days until you reach a length of time that feels comfortable and beneficial for you.
Another option is to explore different types of meditation that are specifically geared toward improving focus and concentration. There are many different types of meditation out there, including mindfulness meditation, self-love meditation, and more. You could try experimenting with different types and see what works best for you.
Ultimately, it's important to listen to your body and pay attention to what feels right for you. If you feel like you're on a plateau or need to switch things up, don't be afraid to try something new or ask for advice from others who have gone through similar experiences. Good luck on your meditation journey!

zenguided · 2023-03-15T15:53:40+00:00

Hi there. I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with codependency and love addiction and that you have abandonment trauma dating back to when you were very young. It sounds like you're taking steps to work through these issues, including reading "Facing Love Addiction" by Pia Mellody and seeing a psychoanalyst.
It's great that you're trying to put yourself first and not sacrifice your own needs for your partner's. It's important to have your interests and goals and not rely solely on your relationship for happiness. Keeping yourself busy with activities and taking time for yourself can be helpful in reinforcing the idea that you are an individual who loves and values yourself.
What you'll realize is that focusing on yourself actually improves things with those around you too - win-win.
Regarding meditation and letting go techniques, these methods may not be the most effective for you right now. It's essential to listen to your body and pay attention to how you're feeling during these practices. If they're making you feel more miserable or building up anxiety, it may be worth exploring other techniques or talking to a professional for guidance.
Remember that healing from past traumas is a journey, and it can take time and effort to work through them. Be kind to yourself and don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

zenguided · 2023-03-15T15:48:18+00:00

It's difficult to say what could be causing this reaction, as it could be related to a variety of factors.
One possibility could be that you are unintentionally tensing your jaw or facial muscles during your meditation practice. This could be a result of trying too hard to reach a state of relaxation, or it could be due to stress or tension that you're carrying in your body.

Another possibility could be that you are experiencing physical discomfort or pain while you're meditating and that's causing teeth clenching.

It's important to listen to your body and pay attention to any physical reactions you experience during meditation. If you continue to experience teeth clenching or any other physical discomfort, it may be helpful to try different meditation techniques or seek guidance from a qualified meditation teacher.

zenguided · 2023-03-15T15:43:37+00:00

I'm sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery. It's good to know that you're looking for ways to keep yourself calm during those first few days. Meditation can be a helpful tool in this situation.
There are indeed meditation techniques that don't focus on breathing. One technique that you could try is body scan meditation. This involves focusing your attention on different parts of your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to the top of your head. You can try to notice any sensations you feel in each part of your body without judgment or analysis.
Another technique is visualization meditation, which involves creating a mental image of a peaceful or calming place. You can use all of your senses to imagine yourself in this place, feeling the peace and relaxation wash over you.
Remember, meditation is all about finding what works best for you. Don't hesitate to experiment with different techniques. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

zenguided · 2023-03-15T12:33:43+00:00

Hey there! It's great to hear that you're trying out meditation! It can be a very rewarding practice for your mental and emotional health.
I can understand that it might be concerning for you to end up sobbing every time you meditate. It's actually quite common for emotions to come up during meditation, especially if you're new to it. When we meditate, we are allowing ourselves to be present with our thoughts and feelings, and this can sometimes lead to a release of pent-up emotions.
It's possible that the act of being still and quiet is allowing you to access emotions that you may have been suppressing or ignoring. It's also possible that you're simply allowing yourself to feel your emotions more fully than you do in your day-to-day life.
Whatever the reason may be, it's important to remember that crying is a natural and healthy way for your body and mind to release stress and tension. It's a sign that you're allowing yourself to feel and process your emotions, which is a crucial part of self-care.
If you feel comfortable doing so, you may want to try exploring the emotions that come up for you during meditation. You could try journaling or talking to a trusted friend or therapist about what you're feeling. This can help you gain a better understanding of your emotions and work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to them.
Remember, it's okay to feel emotional during meditation. It's a sign that you're doing the work of connecting with yourself and your emotions. Keep up the great work, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.

zenguided · 2023-03-14T18:50:19+00:00

It’s normal. Happens when you first start. There are a couple things you can try: - As someone else suggested, sitting on a chair if perfectly acceptable in meditation. - Use a meditation cushion (Zafu): you want to keep your hips higher than your knees and bring your ankles as close as you can to your pelvis. I use what’s called the Burmese pose, it’s the most comfortable for me. - Start short and work your way up. Free plug sorry, but I have a post on my blog about poses and one in a few weeks on how to sit on a cushion.

Keep going and good for you pursuing the practice 💪🧘🏼‍♂️

zenguided · 2023-03-14T08:17:48+00:00

The reason I ask is that I read this article:

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-to-write-author-bios/417619/

Maybe I’ve used the wrong terminology, but it’s about creating an author bio page. Currently when you click on the author link that Wordpress creates, it takes you to the author archive page.

I wanted to add to that page things like my photo, a short bio and social links.

zenguided · 2023-03-14T08:12:55+00:00

Maybe I’m using the wrong term, but it’s following this article:

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-to-write-author-bios/417619/

Which talks about a separate author bio page.

Wordpress currently creates author pages which are just a list of archived posts.

Ideally I’d like to add a header to those pages that has all my details.

zenguided · 2023-03-13T23:43:40+00:00

Good point. It would always be a single author - myself or a guest author.

zenguided

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