Do you try to look for the good in others, even in those who trigger you or who you feel angry at or hurt by? What might you find if you stayed open to seeing their positive qualities or allowed yourself to feel compassion for the pain they’ve suffered? Is it possible to love everyone? And why on earth would we want to do this? Let's find out together. 

Today's episode is about striving to feel more love. The type of love we’re talking about here is not infatuation, sexual attraction or codependence. It also doesn’t involve a need to give or receive anything. It’s an emotion. It’s the feeling of pure and unconditional love. It doesn’t require us to say or do anything, but it can make a meaningful difference in the world. 

I share some of my experiences and what I've learned about why actively practicing love is worthy of our time and energy and the multiple benefits it can bring to our health, mood, relationships with others, and ourselves. 

We’ll also explore a true story that inspired me to devote myself to deepening my practice of love, which will likely move you, and invite you to reflect on forgiveness. And I’m talking about embracing greater loving kindness in both professional and personal relationships. 

Finally, I offer two of the best ways I've found to love when it is tough to do it, so you can put them into practice the next time you find yourself in a triggering situation with someone. 

Tune in and listen to Episode 5 to find out how to love more and turn challenging moments into opportunities to grow your compassion. 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Some definitions of love and why "love is always good" (3:59)

What Metta is, and how can it help us understand and practice love better (5:36)

The reasons why practicing love can do nothing but improve every aspect of our lives (9:06)

Katy Hutchison's story about love, compassion, and forgiveness (14:46)

Why all of us should become "detectives for the good in people" (19:03)

How to practice love with people who commit atrocities (21:39)

The importance of learning to identify the parts of ourselves we see in others (25:23)

Resources:

Cultivating Loving Kindness with Dr. Tara Brach

Lovingkindness with Sharon Salzberg 

What you Spot is What You've Got with Dr. Martha Beck

Restorative Practices to Resolve Conflict/Build Relationships: Katy Hutchison at TEDx WestVancouverED 

The Forgiveness Project with Katy Hutchison and Ryan Aldridge

The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield

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