meditation practice

Loving with Open Hands

5 · 10 min4 steps

Before you begin

Sit with your hands loosely closed on your lap. Think of one relationship you tend to grip.

The practice, step by step — read it all first if you like

  1. Feel the grip

    Notice what gripping feels like: monitoring, managing, keeping receipts.

    about 90 seconds

  2. Open slowly

    Open your hands physically, slowly. Let the other person be a person, not a possession.

    about 90 seconds

  3. Wish freedom

    Silently wish them their full flourishing — even the parts that do not include you.

    about 120 seconds

  4. Choose faithfulness

    Choose what remains yours: your care, your honesty, your steady presence. Hold only that.

    about 90 seconds

Accessibility

The hand movement is optional; the inner opening is the practice.

How long do you have?

Or read through it quietly above, at your own pace.