Combining Metta and Tonglen

[Chikyou]

I am wondering if anyone else practices Metta this way. Gradually I've been starting to combine the Tonglen white light visualization with metta practice (for no other reason than it feels right to do). Today I stumbled on this - integrating the "taking and sending" of Tonglen with metta... doing a taking and sending breath after each verse...like this:

May they be free of suffering (breathe in, out)
May they feel safe and still (breathe in, out)
May they be free of enmity (breathe in, out)
May they be loving, grateful and kind (breathe in, out)
May they be healthy (breathe in, out)
And at ease in all of their ills (breathe in, out)
May they be at peace (breathe in, out)
Embracing all conditions of life (breathe in, out)

I found it really changed the experience of metta for me, deepening my connection to the practice.

Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly

[Kokuu]

Hi Kelly

I have not heard of Tonglen being used like that with the Metta Verses but don't see why you couldn't and it sounds like it is working for you!

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-