Loving is treating others – not as we have been treated – as we would like to be treated.  It is extending the same kind of acceptance and respect and resolute positive regard to others that we would like ourselves. It is creating the same kind of opportunities for others to participate in community – and realise their potential – as we would like ourselves. 

A meditation on loving.

Create a comfortable atmosphere. Set the scene with a small candle. Sit on your own, or with a friend. Once seated, attend to your breathing.  Begin with yourself. Picture yourself and pray for yourself repeatedly:

‘May I be filled with loving kindness for myself.’
When you are ready, move on to people you like. Picture them and pray for them repeatedly:

‘May I be filled with loving kindness for you.’
If there are any particular feelings of gratitude you feel for them, just give thanks.  When you are ready, move on to people who you don’t like. Picture them and pray for them repeatedly:

‘May I be filled with loving kindness for you.’   

If there are any particular feelings of irritation you feel for them, hold them gently.
 

‘Like a caring mother holding the life of her only child so with
a heart of loving kindness hold all beings as your beloved children.’
Buddha[1]