This week’s practice is one that is for the family, or, for those with whom you are sharing space in quarantine. The “spread love” circle lets us reach out to one another and remember our deep and abiding love. It allows us to release pent up hostilities and tensions that are inevitable when in sustained close quarters. It seems very fitting that it is Mother’s Day and a wish and hope for a very happy (and safe) Mother’s day to all the Mothers of the world.

The practice: We all sit in a circle and extend our palms to one another. This can be done without actually touching one another. As always, start by focusing on your breath. Breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling in equal increments. Try to get your breath to fill your lungs and expand your diaphragm. On your exhale, try to fully empty your lungs. When you are all ready, everyone inhales slowly bringing their arms around to the front and then in toward the heart crossing the wrists as you get close to your chest. On the exhale, push your hands back out to the sides toward the people on either side of you. Again, you can choose not to actually touch palms. On the second round, say “I feel all your love” on the inhale and “I give you all my love” on the exhale. The words can be chanted, sung, stated or thought. Repeat for as long as it feels good but at least 2 more times.

This can be done with a variety of phrases. You may consider several rounds with different phrases or just keep the same one for many rounds.

Follows are some more examples of phrases to use. Feel free to create your own phrases that feel good to you and your circle.

inhale: “I am forgiven”; exhale: “I forgive”

inhale: “I accept all light and love”; exhale: “I release all tensions/resentments”

Spread love!