One of my favorite things to do is walk in the mountains and listen to podcasts. This week was a doozy. I was listening to the "You Made it Wierd" podcast by Pete Holmes (unfortunately no relation) and he was interviewing a woman, Mirabai Bush, who was a contemporary of Ram Dass. I highly recommend it, as she spoke of accepting death, practicing mindfulness, etc. But what really stopped me in my tracks (literally) was when she led a "Just Like Me" meditation. Basically it is a way to cultivate love, compassion, and possibly forgiveness for another person. And who doesn't need more of that these days!?! I found it so powerful, I had to share.
Here is a link to the podcast, so you can hear it and do it yourself. The whole episode is good, but if you just want to listen to the practice, it starts at the 1hr45min mark
https://castbox.fm/vb/305158202
Here is a script of the "just like me" meditation so you can do it on your own.
Begin by being aware that there is a person in front of you, either in your mind or actually sitting across from you. A fellow human being just like you. Silently repeat the following phrases while looking at your partner.
This person has a body and a mind, just like me.
This person has feelings, thoughts, and emotions, just like me.
This person has during his or her life experienced physical and emotional pain and suffering, just like me.
This person has at some point been sad, just like me.
This person has been disappointed in life, just like me.
This person has sometimes been angry, just like me.
This person has been hurt by others, just like me.
This person has felt unworthy or inadequate at times, just like me.
This person worries, just like me.
This person is frightened sometimes, just like me.
This person will die, just like me.
This person has longed for friendship, just like me.
This person is learning about life, just like me.
This person wants to be caring and kind to others, just like me.
This person wants to be content with what life has given, just like me
This person wishes to be free from pain and suffering, just like me.
This person wishes to be happy, just like me.
This person wishes to be safe, strong, and healthy, just like me.
This person wishes to be loved, just like me.
Now, allow some wishes for well-being to arise.
I wish that you have the strength, resources, and social support to navigate the difficulties in your life with ease.
I wish that you’ll be free from pain and suffering.
I wish that you’ll be peaceful and happy.
I wish that you’ll be loved because you are a fellow human being, just like me.
Whether your partner is right there with you, or you have brought your partner into your mind, thank that person for doing this practice with you. Give thanks in whatever way feels appropriate.
Thank you for doing this practice!
-Erika