Maitri (“my tree”) is a Sanskrit word meaning
“unconditional friendliness towards self which radiates out to others” and it encompasses love, forgiveness and
compassion within its whole.
So why I am I writing of this word today… so many
of those I know are going through times of great difficulty with either their
own health or the health of someone that they hold dear.
For them it is a very testing time and they will
run through a whole gamut of emotions before they finally find the peace within
themselves. In many cases it is like preparing for and running a marathon; only
this marathon has no real map to guide and we have no definitive idea of what
the outcome will be. It will often test every bit of our strength, ingenuity
and will power just to make it through each day.
The emotions come in various stages (and in no
particular order) and each has to be worked through … anger (why is this happening),
fear, emptiness, relief, guilt and hopefully to finally find a place of peace
and compassion within.
It is never easy whether you are survivor, friend
or family, and each will deal with it in their own way; there is no right way
or wrong way. Maitri in all its meanings will go a long way towards healing
though.
Many of the
healers of today are survivors who have been through this marathon and are now
using their love, compassion and skills to help others. The art of healing
comes in many shapes and forms; it is not always the Doctor, nurse, therapist
or energy healer who works their magic in helping others. In many cases it is
just the ordinary folk (in this case not so ordinary), who by the simple giving
of their time, energy love and compassion have learnt to help others through
their time of need.
To all of you who work in this way, I salute you
and honour your commitment to making the world a better place for those who
cross your path.
In Love and Light
© Sue @ Astara Healing. This message may be shared
freely as long as it is not altered in any way and credit is given to the
author.
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An exercise in how to practise Maitri.
Firstly, find yourself a comfortable place to relax
for about 10 minutes.Once you are settled comfortably take a few deep
slow breaths to centre yourself and relax and close your eyes.
Now cast your mind back to a time when you may
have been hurt in some way… either your feelings or some actual trauma. Sense
how you felt when someone came to your aid with a hug or a kind word when you
were lonely or hurt or just gave you a sense of direction and purpose when you
felt lost and adrift in the sea of life; anything that made you feel better and was helpful. Feel
into that moment… what impressions are you getting; whether it be sights, sounds
or smell? Relax into it and enjoy that
feeling of receiving for a few minutes… feel the loving kindness that surrounds
you.
Next I would like you to think of a time when you
have extended a helping hand to another living thing in distress whether it be
an animal, bird or human. How did you feel as reached out with compassion… feel deeply
into the thoughts and emotions of the moment for a few minutes remembering what it feels like to give of yourself.
And lastly I would like you to combine the two
feelings in a circle of both the giving and the receiving of energies of
unconditional loving kindness and unconditional compassion within and for
yourself. Breathe the energies in and breathe them out, breathe them in and
breathe them out. There is no need to attach yourself to the thoughts, feelings or sensations
within just let them go without judgement or to wonder whether
you think you need or even deserve … breathe in maitri and breathe out maitri
and stay in the circle as long as you feel the need to give and receive.
When you feel rested and complete; open your eyes, come gently back
and rest.
This is a good exercise to practise daily… in the
evening before bed for a restful nights sleep and in the morning to face the
day.
Namaste xxx
Thank you Sue!
ReplyDelete~XO
Ruth