Universal Loving-Kindness & The Integral Assessment

Universal Loving-Kindness & The Integral Assessment

Developing interpersonally requires that we turn to a universal loving-kindness. Elaborating on loving-kindness in that we extend to intimate romantic relationships, we broaden the reach to include family, friends, strangers, and even enemies. It is not enough to just physiologically hear what another is saying but to really listen. As our consciousness expands, we are able to develop empathy in really seeing, listening, and caring for another in a way that is joyful, compassionate, sensitive, and loving.

The universal loving-kindness meditation exercise to me was an expansion of the loving-kindness exercise. This short practice was commanding for me as it dissolved all self-centeredness. My focus became absorbed in the well-being of others which opened fully my mind and heart. I immersed myself in the suffering of others and acknowledge the fact that we never realize what they are enduring. Why in the world would I want anything but healing, happiness, wholeness, and health for another human being? Taking this a step more in asking what I can do to help another is not a difficult task. The answers are there before me. It is not that I need to provide any monetary contributions, but those in the light of listening, extending love, kindness and more. In turn, I find that I am blessed with a spiritual ease that I have never experienced. There have been times in my life when this selflessness was freely and honestly given to me. I wish to reciprocate what I considered a gift in having another to lend an ear or demonstrate unconditional ardor. A practice like this spawns a connectedness.

Considering the integral assessment, I realize the four quadrants of my life are out of balance; certain ones need fine tuning, assessment and transformation while others seem acceptable for the time being. My biological flourishing is one that needs immediate attention in the aspect of nutrition and exercise. It is clear of the interaction of the mind and body as they work as one; so without one, the other suffers. My fiancé and I have recently altered our eating habits; not changing everything at once, but little by little to avoid the shock, thus ‘staying with it.’ We have remained stagnate for several years in doing what was quick and easy rather than healthy and mindful. Additionally, with the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, exercise has fallen to nil. We have talked empty about this for some time. We have decided to begin slowly here as well so that discouragement will be decreased. Recently, we decided to make an excel chart tracking how much we walk. I find that accountability works best for me when you have a partner. Yes we need to make time for nurturing our bodies, thus nurturing the mind. This is the quadrant I should attend to first.

The quadrant that falls second to biological is worldly. Not in the aspect of social activism, but in my work. I find that I go to work on automata and out of survival rather than chosen and pleasurable. Mending my work relationship is a work in progress. I want to find more purpose and meaning rather than a deposited paycheck.

The quadrant of psychospiritual falls third. My mind and heart is in this. I have been developing and tuning my thought processes for some times now. Through meditative practices, I have come a long way. This applies to emotional wellness too. Speaking to my fiancé last night, I asked him to engage in a partner meditation with me; he reluctantly agreed. I think that when two people are in tune with each other, the better health outcome for both. I feel like I am on the right path here.

Finally I turn to the interpersonal quadrant. I feel this is the most caressed aspect of my life. I love people and enjoy interacting with others. As a future counselor, I feel a divine calling to be that person who helps one to heal. This part of my life changed some 6 years ago. I do not find socializing, helping others out, being a shoulder to lean on and more to be an imposition at all. I look for ways to help others any time I can.

So as I begin to fine tune the biological quadrant, I will continue to revisit the others and try to find balance. With each, I will adjust as needed.