Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh gives four mantras to practice Mindful Love.

  1. “Darling, I’m here for you” When you love someone the best thing you can offer them is your presence. How can you love when you are not there? Look into the other’s eyes and say this mantra and be with no preoccupation or distraction.
  2. “Darling, I know you are there… and I am so happy because you are truly there.” To be loved means to be recognized as existing. These two mantras can bring happiness right away.
  3. “Darling, I know you suffer… that is why I’m here for you” Practice this mantra when your beloved one is suffering. Before you can do something for them your presence will bring them relief.
  4. “Darling, I suffer. I am trying my best to practice. Please help me.” When you suffer and you believe that your suffering has been caused by your beloved one, you suffer deeply. You may want to withdraw and suffer alone. You feel more hurt and you want to punish them for having made you suffer. Overcome that feeling and say this mantra to your beloved. If you bring yourself to say that mantra your suffering becomes less right away.

ilango