Loving Kindness

I just love these exercises. I find them to be very relaxing and tranquil. I really have to shut myself up in a room away from all distractions to complete them. I do believe this was beneficial but I am still learning how to totally focus all of my energy and thoughts when doing these exercises. It's still somewhat difficult for me to clear my mind and be able to picture what is asked of me. I had no problem with first part of focusing on a loved one. I did find it a little difficult to try to focus on a family member who is suffering because frankly, I couldn't bring anyone to mind.  I like to believe that I always put other's feelings before mine.  I will go out of my way to make someone happy or do something special for them for no particular reason.  I think I get that from my father because I've never met anyone who didn't immediately love him when they met him.  I would give anything to have just one more minute with him again. Practicing loving kindness on strangers is not so difficult for me because I wish the best for everyone. The thing I find difficult is to have loving kindness for those people who have hurt me badly over the years. My strong faith is the only thing that allows me to do this to a degree. I have forgiven those people and I pray each day that they would find peace and comfort for themselves in the arms of the Lord. I always try and be a witness to what God can do in your life and live my life the way that the Lord wants me to. Ultimately, it's all for Him.
I think that there are those to who I would recommend completing this exercise. I have always believed that the people who do not give loving kindness are those who do not love themselves either. I believe that in order to give loving kindness, you must first learn to love yourself.  I sometimes think how lonely these people must be and how miserable they must be in their lives. All I can do is to show kindness to them and pray for them, and to make myself an example to others.
The concept of a mental workout is first to focus on your body and its sensations, both the pleasant and unpleasant feelings. By doing so you can give them your love, kindness, and a sense of ease, spaciousness, and care. I often use this technique to relax tense muscles or just to decrease any pain I may be having. When you focus on it, you can ease it as well.  Sort of like having a baby and trying to deal with the pain by breathing and riding through the rough contractions until you can once again relax. Once you have given all of the unpleasant feelings love and equal care, you must turn your attention to your inner mind.  Focus on the stillness, peace, and gentleness that is your natural home. This concept can not be accomplished all at once. It is something you must learn over time, practicing it for a few moments each day and working up from there. I find that is is actually exhausting at first but one you keep doing it, you can then find it as a very relaxing and pleasant experience. The proven benefits of this are that with continued practice, our initial faith will turn into confidence and then to certainty. It does require practice but just like any workout, whether physical or mental, you will see the benefits over time. It will become easier the more you practice.
Fostering your own psychological health begins with being in touch with your inner self. If you do this type of exercise each day, you will be much more balanced.  I find that in times of great stress or when encountering a difficult person, it is best to take five minutes at that exact moment and practice loving kindness. Letting the feelings of anger, intolerance, and pride fester can destroy your own inner peace. It can be destructive your your mental and psychological health. It allows us to let self centeredness dissolve and to embrace others.