CREATING A BETTER WORLD
by Mary Mageau White May 4-2002

A group visiting with the Dalai Lama focused on the five most important questions we should consider when moving into the new millenium.

1. How do we address the widening gap between the rich and the poor?

2. How do we care for and protect the earth?

3. How do we best educate our children?

4. How can we help Tibet and other repressed countries in the world?

5. How do we bring a caring spirituality for one another into all of life?

The Dalai Lama said all five questions fall under the last one. If we have true compassion in our hearts all other questions will find answers and solutions. The group then asked, "Do you think that loving on the planet is increasing or staying the same?" His response was: "My experience leads me to believe that love IS increasing." He then shared a simple practice that would increase love and compassion in the world and requested that in turn, we practice and share this material with others.

THE PRACTICE

1. Spend five minutes at the beginning of each day remembering that we all want the same things, (to be happy and loved) and that we are all connected to one another.

2. Spend five minutes ­ breathing in ­ cherishing yourself and breathing out ­ cherishing others. If you think of people you have difficulty with, extend your cherishing to them anyway.

3. During the day extend that attitude to everyone you meet. Practice cherishing the simplest person, (clerks, attendants, etc.) as well as the important people in your life. Cherish those you like and dislike.

4. Continue this practice no matter what happens and what anyone does to you.

This practice can be taken deeply if done wordlessly, allowing yourself to feel the love and appreciation that already exists in your heart.