Finding Calm in Crisis: A Compassionate Meditation for Pandemic Anxiety
Compassion, though, combines empathy with a wish to eliminate others' pain. But imagining like this in meditation has the effect of opening your heart to others in a productive way that eases your own fear and pain and stress and suffering, and then in a state of mind that is more understanding of the pain of others.
Feeling overwhelmed by the pandemic? You're not alone. In this episode of 'A Skeptic's Path to Enlightenment', Scott Snibbe offers a guided meditation designed to tackle fear and anxiety head-on. Using the Tibetan Buddhist technique of Tonglen, or 'Taking and Giving', this meditation invites you to imagine the suffering of others and wish to alleviate their pain. It's a powerful way to soothe your own fears while expanding your empathy and compassion.
By focusing on others' suffering, you might find your own anxiety lessening. The episode highlights how staying calm, absorbing accurate information, and making rational decisions can help you navigate these challenging times. Scott’s gentle guidance helps you build healthy mental habits that foster both personal peace and a deeper understanding of the pain others are experiencing. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable tools for emotional resilience during the pandemic.