Crude actions of disdain, jealousy, and disgust have—at one point or another—clouded my judgement and pushed me to hurt those dearest to me.

And with every regret, I display it like a distinct battle scar that can never properly heal unless treated with active care.

It is because of this, that every malevolent action evoked on others has an equal or greater reaction that cyclically returns back around, and the question should not be a jaded, “why should I care?” but rather an exertion of, “how can I learn to love myself and others?”

Being the odd teenage girl I was many moons ago, I vividly remember Mr. Gary Mantey, my Washington Middle School principal, stating habitually over the PA system during morning announcements, “The choices you make today, will shape your world tomorrow.”

And despite the obvious clichéd aesthetic of his words, they still strum the chord of base human logic in my life today. If we choose to invite hate into our heart, the consequences will begin to ail our mental health, that is, unless we take action to change our imperfect perspectives on love.

By broadening your meditative practice and extending it into the realm of love, you will slowly begin to feel the satisfaction you have always craved.

Begin your practice by sitting still in the comfort of your bedroom, whether that be laying on your bed or sitting at your desk. Close your eyes and practice your three/six interval breathing.

With each inhale, you will be envisioning a person in your life.

You will be your first subject. Think of the positive qualities and at least three points of pride you can acknowledge about yourself. Control your breathing and stay focused on yourself for two minutes.

Now that you have a basic understanding of how this practice will unfold, you are going to be focusing on five other people: a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, a difficult person, and this group as a whole and how they affect your life.

Spend two minutes on each person and ask yourself a series of questions while you breathe:

How does this person affect me?

Positively? Negatively?

If negatively, how can I shift my feelings about that person?

How can I help these people around me live a fuller and happier life?

In total, this exercise should take you roughly 10 or 12 minutes to complete; however, more time can be spent if other people are added to your list.

The more you include others into this specific meditation exercise, you will slowly start feeling misplaced anger leave your system, which will not only alleviate your tension physically but spiritually energize you tenfold.

The opinions expressed in Lyon’s column do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Barometer staff.

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