A person just like me.
This exercise asks you to visualize something in your mind,
And it's usually easier to visualize when your eyes are closed.
So close your eyes if you're comfortable doing so,
And take a few deep breaths to allow yourself to settle in and relax a bit.
As you breathe,
See if you can let go a little more with each out breath.
Let go of any tension or stress in your body.
Simply relaxing.
Simply letting go.
Now bring to mind a person you know.
This can be someone you know well,
Or some random person in one of your classes,
Maybe someone you've been curious about,
Or it could even be someone who you've never really thought anything about one way or another.
Now if you're up for a real challenge,
You can even choose someone who really bugs you.
Maybe that kid in your class whose hand shoots up every time the teacher asks a question.
Or maybe a younger brother or sister.
Or it can be someone who you admire but haven't met personally,
Like someone on a Netflix series or someone you follow on social media.
I'm going to ask you to repeat the following phrases slowly to yourself as you think of that person.
It's really important that you don't rush through them,
But take your time so that they really sink in.
As you say them,
Think about their meaning.
And if you'd like,
You can replace this person with their actual name.
Let's consider a few things about this person.
This person is a human being,
Just like me.
This person has a body and a mind,
Just like me.
This person has feelings,
Emotions,
And thoughts,
Just like me.
This person has at some point been sad,
Disappointed,
Angry,
Hurt,
And confused,
Just like me.
This person wishes to be free from pain and unhappiness,
Just like me.
This person wishes to be safe,
Healthy,
And loved,
Just like me.
This person wishes to be happy,
Just like me.
Now let's allow some wishes for this person to arise.
I wish for this person to have the strength,
Resources,
And support to help him or her through the difficult times in life.
I wish for this person to be free from pain and suffering.
I wish for this person to be strong and balanced.
I wish for this person to be happy,
Because this person is a fellow human being,
Just like me.
And now as you finish this practice,
Just sit here for a moment and notice how you feel,
Both how you feel yourself and how you feel towards this other person.
This was a person just like me.
