An important support for metta practice is forgiveness that softens the contracted heart that is stuck in aversion or ill will. This guided meditation practice first focuses on forgiveness towards ourselves--our body, mind, and heart--and then opens to both asking and extending forgiveness with others.
Our mind is habitually judging and comparing ourselves with others or against some unrealistic standard of perfection. Seeing this habit as part of the human experience and not taking it personally is an important part of our practice. We can learn to relate to it with wisdom and compassion that transforms it from being a personal problem to a wise understanding of the selfless nature of experience.
