THE MAGIC OF KINDNESS for 2026

If you are inclined to set goals or intentions for each new year and have not done so yet, consider 'Kindness'  as a  theme or your word for 2026.  Illustrating what she calls the magic of kindness, Orly Wahba has produced a short You Tube video called The Kindness Boomerang that is worth a watch. The premise is that kindness will be paid forward and the content shows how that works.  I imagine this is on an intentional level for some and perhaps even on a subconscious level for some.  

Loving-kindess meditations or prayers are designed to develop kindness towards ourselves and others. These are Buddhist "Metta" prayers in origin but have been widely adopted in many therapeutic settings as well as in Mindfulness trainings. This is a simple one to try:

First sit in a comfortable position where you are not slouching. Consciously take a few breaths and relax as much as possible. Then repeat the following for yourself first and next a special loved one or two and, if you wish, additional groups of friends or family, and finally for someone you don't know but see on a regular basis (the barista at Starbucks?). Close your eyes and bring the face of the person/persons to mind as you say:

May I  (you, they) be free from suffering and it's causes.

May I  (you, they) be safe from inner and outer harm.

May I (you, they) be healthy in mind and body.

May I (you, they) be at peace.

Take your time. You may wish to put your hand on your heart as you bring to mind the face of each person or group. It doesn't need to take a long time but let this practice be deep and meaningful. The benefits of this are immeasurable as you begin to feel connected and more caring to the people you say Metta for and Loving-Kindness becomes a more automatic part of you.