Loving-Kindness
For many of us, we naturally feel the emotions of loving-kindness towards those closest to our hearts. American philosopher Nel Noddings refers to this as “natural care.” While we may need to
refine our expression of care, the emotion of love for those nearest
and dearest is instinctive. But what of those with whom we struggle? What of those we dislike, or even hate? Through
conscious effort, we can direct caring energy towards people with whom we experience negative emotions. Noddings calls the intentional extension of natural care “ethical care.” It may not arise
instinctively, but we can become more ethical. We can become
more caring.
How?
One way to strengthen our capacity to love is through the practice of “metta” or loving-kindness meditation. This is an ancient Buddhist technique of training the mind and heart to respond to
both pleasant and challenging relationships with clarity and
kindness. In “The Metta Sutra,” Buddhist adherents are given an
inspiring illustration of what it means to truly open the heart.