If tonglen ultimately includes all beings, why is it often so difficult to include ourselves? The practice of tonglen is fairly well known among students of Tibetan Buddhism. However, it is very common for even seasoned practitioners to meet difficulty when practicing tonglen for themselves, usually focusing on external beings.
When we first start meditating, the mind is like a young kitten—scampering off, chasing butterflies, getting distracted, tipping over, getting hungry, bumping into walls. And each time it wanders, we hold it gently, and kindly invite it back into our lap.
Whether it’s a difficult conversation with a partner or family member, a make-it-or-break-it corporate pitch, or a tense exchange with a stranger, you can do this brief grounding practice on the spot.