Compassion… step by step

You can cultivate compassion and loving-kindness in the smallest ways. Start with someone specifically that you know and care about, and wish for their happiness, well-being, and freedom. Then think of a person you know only casually, someone who is neutral in your life, and wish these same things for them. Then work up to a someone you would consider an enemy, and have these thoughts for this person as well, wishing for their happiness, well-being, and freedom. Cultivate compassion and loving-kindness by focusing your thoughts and wishes for one specific person at a time, and eventually you will see that your compassion and loving-kindness will become indiscriminate and universal for all people.

(Photo by Darla Winn)