What’s so funny about peace, love and understanding? Why we practise mindfulness and loving-kindness This week, at a meditation group we attend, the guided mindful breathing practice included a simple reminder that stayed with me: "As awareness and empathy grow, both inner and outer conflict begin to ease." This comes from a Buddhist perspective, where these two core qualities are practiced: mindfulness and loving-kindness (metta). Mindfulness helps us becom e aware of what is happening in the present moment - our thoughts, emotions, body sensations and reactions - without getting swept away by them. Loving-kindness (metta) is the quality of warmth, friendliness and care toward ourselves and others, especially when things are difficult. It’s the practice of relating to ourselves and others with goodwill rather than judgement. We all know how easily the mind can become busy and critical - the “monkey mind” that worries, replays conversations, judges ourselves, or creates ...