Klara,

Sometimes we use meditation to try to fill up our space with pleasing sensations. Such as sitting on our cushion, trying to spray fragrance of love into the world. This isn’t really that great of a meditative exercise. Instead, we can use meditation to become steadfast as we experience what is already there. Such as, smelling the truth of the stink that is present, and as we do, it becomes no longer repulsive, agitating, or a mystery. Just empty, neutral sense data.

Off the cushion, this leaves us better prepared to do more than just send love at a distance, because we are less affected by the suffering in front of us. Like, walking up to our friend that is freaking out about too much salt in their sauce, and their freaking out doesn’t distract us. What can be done to help the sauce? To help the friend help the sauce? To help thr friend release the freakout? Whatever seems right to do, etc. Without the “freak out” causing us to become agitated ourselves, we can keep our attention on the apparent causes, and move more wisely toward their resolution.

With warmth,
Matt