We are training our hearts, not just our minds, with this practice. The heart needs training because it isn't constituted to always feel lovingkindness. By nature, it also contains ill will, rejection, resentment, and fear. But unless we diminish the hate and enlarge the love by doing something about it in our daily lives, we have no chance of experiencing the peaceful feeling that lovingkindness generates in the heart. And when we start to do this practice, we begin to get a sense—even just a tiny one at first—of freedom.
Carol Cano
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Carol Cano, M.A., began her Dharma practice over 30 years ago at Wat Kow Tahm in Thailand. A Spirit Rock teacher and graduate of its 2017–2020 training, she co-founded Philippine Insight Meditation Community and is a core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center. Her unique teachings are deeply grounded in Basque, Native American, and Buddhist influences that braid the Dharma along indigenous wisdom and Earth-based practices. With a psychology background, she compassionately supports communities navigating spiritual ideals and modern life.