Private businesses exist to maximize profit.
That raises a question:
What do nonprofits maximize?
If you ask me, nonprofits maximize human well-being.
I think that can fairly be called “love.”
Compassion—that awareness of others’ suffering plus the desire to alleviate it—is a watchword in the nonprofit world. But it’s important to make space to show compassion to yourself. You are as deserving of compassion as the people you serve.
How can you show yourself compassion?
In college, I suffered severe social anxiety. It was hard to show compassion to others, because nearly everyone seemed like a potential threat. I started on the path to becoming the person I am today when I learned about metta, or loving-kindness meditation.
Metta comes from Buddhist traditions, but it is not inherently religious.
It can be practiced simply in the following way:
1. Sit up with your back gently straightened, eyes closed, hands resting on your knees.
2. Breathe gently, in through the nose until your lungs are full, out through the mouth.
3. Think the following phrases, one at a time: “May I be loved. May I be well. May I be happy.”
4. Imagine any other person of your choosing. While envisioning them, think the same phrases.
5. You may extend the practice to any living thing past or present.
Metta can be a powerful emotional experience.
Especially if you’ve been going without the compassion you show others.
YOU are worthy. You deserve all you put out into the world.