#Metta February 3

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During my two week journey with Mr. COVID I often had moments of self-doubt if my immune system would ever get the upper hand an kick the virus to the curb. Like everyone battling something medical I sought guidance first and foremost from my doctor. He prescribed a routine of vitamins and rest that I adhered to. I also spent time online reading on how to best navigate the trip with COVID. It was in one of those articles I discovered METTA.

The practice of METTA meditation is quite simple: you focus on the intention of loving-kindness towards oneself, and then to others. In my readings about COVID I had found that people who engaged in prayer and meditation seemed to handle the stress and worry better. I started to research and then practice METTA.

What I like about METTA was the focus was not to just to be kind to yourself but to family, friends, neighbors, and yes even to people who create difficulties for you.

METTA is not new, in fact some scholars seem to think it has existed for 1,000 of years. What has probably allowed it to stand the test of time is its simplicity.

To practice METTA you silently recite phrases toward yourself and others. The phrases should express kind intentions.

Some examples of METTA meditation phrases I used during COVID included:

• “May I be safe, peaceful, and free of discomfort.”
• “May I be happy with today. May I be healthy.”
• “May others be strong and healthy”

I start with phrases directed at me, then a loved one, then a friend, and finally a difficult individual

What I have discovered about adding METTA to my habit of daily prayer is my thinking is not totally self-centered. I can say when I was feeling the worse during COVID that moments of METTA lifted me up.

Here are some links to help you learn more.

Greater Happiness in Five Minutes a Day

How To Do METTA

METTA Meditation

I am convinced when Mr. COVID encountered Mr. METTA it shortened his visit and certainly made it more tolerable. Mr. METTA is still welcomed and is sticking around.