Well then, I would also say for me,
I was really feeling how much context can make a difference.
because say I'm used to my daily practice at home, or
maybe on a cushion on the floor.
And so just that it can be more difficult to really tap into that,
and go deep, depending on the context.
>> Right. Right.
Yeah.
because the you know, just like you develop habits
about other wellness behaviors like, oh I like to run in the woods, and
so when I'm running on a treadmill, that feels funny [LAUGH] you know?
So, there's ways in which the environment can be really supportive to help you
kind of sink in to it, yeah.
So yeah.
I, I kind of had that feeling of, like, oh right.
On camera.
That's a little different.
[LAUGH] So.
But yeah.
And great examples about how, you know, your mind's just all over the place.
That's okay.
>> Yeah. >> That's what minds do.
[LAUGH] You know, so you know, there's no reason.
It's, it's actually an, sort of an active.
Loving kindness through the self to just accept that.
Just like oh, my mind wandered.
Bring it back.
You know that's having that sort of
attitude of kindness in the practice is really vital as well.
And that it does, like you were saying, maybe we could speak to this, but
yes, it does tend to get easier and
the mind does tend to get quieter, but it'll still come up.
>> Yeah. >> Anyway.
>> I think for, you know,
type A people, people very busy, there's so much going on that we're juggling.
It's great to give yourself permission to just rest and be still.
>> Right.
Exactly.
>> That's the power.
>> Right. >> Just to stop.
>> Yeah. And it's just one way to stop.
And it's one way, you know, I think, to get a different pace, and
also to get out of that sort of constant it's me, me, me.
[LAUGH] You know, because it's kind of just builds that other muscle, but
to be a little more other-focused.
So I think there's a, there's a real value in both of those pieces to it.
So, so did it scare you?
[LAUGH] >> No, it's good.
We do yoga, and we tried every time, I just, I,
not disciplined enough to, pause and do it.
I like to think I'm other-focused.
>> Yeah. >> But that whole getting quiet and
doing it at that time.
And I know it's great.
I read enough studies too.
It just, I'm not disciplined enough to do it well yet.
>> Well and I think, you know, one thing is true that formal meditation,
kind of happens when people are sitting and practicing.
But there's a lot of informal meditation that can be just as powerful you know,
like, just your, your daily habits of connecting with others.
So it's, it's not like there's one way to, to get into this kind of psychology.
You know, so, and this is kind of an ancient practice to try to,
you know, build that habit.
But there are lots of doorways in, so yeah.
>> I'll get there one day.
[LAUGH].
>> All right.
Great.
Thanks.
Now this was just the briefest introduction to loving kindness mediation.
There is, of course, so much more richness to it.
Your experiential assignment this week is to practice it again,
using the guided meditation that I've made available here.
Dr. Barbara L. FredricksonKenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Director of the Social Psychology Doctoral Program and the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory, President-Elect, International Positive Psychology Association
