Meditation on Relationships

De: Susan Piver

Narrado por: Susan Piver

We have all heard the advice, “Don’t go to bed angry,” and this sleep meditation will help you to follow that guidance. Anyone who has been in a relationship for longer than a few months knows that there are all kinds of ups and downs and they are always unpredictable! This practice will help you stay connected, heart-to-heart, during the “ups” and reconnect during the “downs.”

Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including the award-winning How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life and The Wisdom of a Broken Heart. Piver graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004, and as an internationally acclaimed meditation teacher, she is known for her ability to translate ancient practices into modern life. Her work has been featured on the Oprah! show, TODAY, CNN, and in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and others. In 2013, she launched the Open Heart Project, the largest virtual mindfulness community in the world.

©2022 Audible (P)2022 Audible

Brief introduction to a loving-kindness meditation

This brief introduction adapts traditional the Buddhist meditation on loving-kindness (metta) toward yourself, people you love, strangers, and enemies.

What the description doesn't explain is the context. It really goes with one of Piver's books. Out of context, it could stir memories of Jack Handey's "Deep Thoughts," especially if you think it's a complete meditation.

It's really an instructor's introduction to a meditation. To use it, you'd probably listen to the recording, start with 5–10 minutes of body scan or breath meditation to develop concentration, and then spend about 5 minutes each meditating on loving-kindness toward yourself, your partner as loved one, as stranger, and as enemy.

Great introduction, but the description should provide context and avoid giving the impression that it's supposed to be a complete meditation, complete with her running commentary. Also, I was surprised that it didn't end by expanding the loving-kindness beyond your partner. Instead of expanding the circle, it l finishes in mid-air, in a way I'd find stifling. Out of context, with no discussion of "love," it could strengthen grasping attachment instead of love in the sense she means.

I recommend it and plan to use it as a form of metta meditation, listen to more of her recordings, and read her books.

1 star for "plot" only because it doesn't have one, yet Audible requires a rating on that irrelevant criterion.

Why even make this?

Why even make this? Seriously. Nothing like a meditation… just a few affirmations… some advice I guess? Can’t even tell