This 18-minute guided practice with Heather Fenton begins with mindfulness of breath in the body and then shifts into a contemplation of generosity (dana).

We start with the generosity of giving ourself the freedom to relax — to set aside our roles and responsibilities — and simply enjoy the next inhalation. Generosity becomes love when we give ourselves and others the freedom to be just as we are. This open-heartedness is ultimately mixed with the wisdom of selflessness of all phenomena (emptiness, not self, anattā).

Off cushion practice: we give others our full attention and presence, we engage in acts of kindness and give material help whenever it’s possible to do so.

Traditionally listed first of ten ‘perfections’, Generosity is in the sixth position for the for the 100 Days of Care program as we follow the example of Thanissaro Bhikkhu in re-organizing our contemplation of the perfections. 

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