The Buddha said that the object of our practice should be first of all, our own self. Your ability to love another person depends on your ability to love yourself. Thich Nhat Hanh says, “If you’re not able to accept yourself, how could you accept another person?” In mettā practice, receiving care from the benefactor or ally is so that love and caring for your own self increases. Because we are truly born for love. As you learn to receive love from others, this deepens your love for your own self. And this mettā manifests in the world around you.
Pawan Bareja
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Pawan Bareja, PhD has practiced Vipassana meditation since 2001. She is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Teacher Training, a Buddhist Ritual Minister and a Community Dharma Leader at Spirit Rock. In her private practice as Trauma Resolution Practitioner, Pawan works with a diverse population of clients using mindfulness practices.