This fifth mindfulness practice will take us into the month of February, a time of year that is more often met with a groan of complaint than with a compliment, so what better way to spread some appreciative joy to others.
Instructions
Once a day over the course of this week, think of someone close to you, someone that you know well – a family member, a friend, a co-worker – and pay them a genuine compliment. The closer that person is to you, the better, such as a child or a parent. (Telling a stranger at the post office that you like their scarf doesn’t count.) The more specific the compliment, also the better…. “I appreciate the way you answer the phone so cheerfully.”
Become aware also of any compliments you receive from other people. Investigate the purpose of compliments and the effect on you of being given a compliment.
Reminders
Post the word “Praise” or “Compliment” in places where you’ll see it throughout the day. Set a midday reminder to be complimentary to somebody on your mobile.
Did you know?
This mindfulness practice could equally be said to be a “Mudita” practice. Roughly translated from Pali (the original language of the Buddha) this word means ‘appreciative joy’ and mudita is one of the four bramaviharas (divine abodes) to which people who practise insight meditation aspire. The other divine abodes are metta (lovingkindness), karuna (compassion) and upekkha (equanimity). All four can be objects of meditative contemplation.
Mark Twain has this to say on the subject…
I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
So go forth into this week galvanised by the words of this literary giant and experience some appreciative joy, some mudita, in the giving and receiving of compliments truly meant.
Really looking forward to hearing your stories and experiences.
Please Share the Intention
Image courtesy of LexnGer