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In these practices we are learning to “touch” our hearts and allow them to enjoy what Buddhists call, in Sanskrit, maitri’, pronounced my-tree. Maitri can be defined as compassion, lovingkindness, or love. Thich Nhat Hanh gives the definition, “love, bringing joy” (Living Buddha, Living Christ). When we experience this maitri, what the Hebrew Scripture renders che’sed, we know joy. We are relieved to feel this love for ourselves, and it opens our hearts. We, then, knowing this love for ourselves, see ourselves begin, spontaneously, spreading this maitri, like seeds of gladness and goodwill, wherever we go.
Indeed, persons begin to sense this about us. Some persons it will scare. I know. Some persons will stay away from you or seek to oppose you, for they are threatened by this godly, Christlike compassion, love, and feeling. But, others will welcome you, for they long to enjoy this love, as well. You will be like a breath of fresh water to their thirst to have their hearts “touched” by someone and to be “in touch” with their own hearts, with compassion and genuine care.
Blessings! In Christ!
Rev Dr Brian K Wilcox
June 23, 2009
barukhattah@embarqmail.com
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYERFUL REFLECTION
What are some ways you might get in better touch with your heart.
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*OneLife Ministries is a ministry of Brian K. Wilcox, of SW Florida. Brian lives a vowed life and with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis. Brian is an ecumenical-interspiritual leader, open to how Christ manifests in the diversity of Christian denominations and varied religious-spiritual traditions. He is Senior Chaplain for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda, FL.
*Brian welcomes responses to his writings or submission of prayer requests at barukhattah@embarqmail.com . Also, Brian is on Facebook: search Brian Kenneth Wilcox.
*Contact the above email to book Brian for Spiritual Direction, retreats, or workshops. You can order his book An Ache for Union at major book dealers.
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