Cultivating positive emotions like love and kindness is beneficial from "summary" of Happiness by Matthieu Ricard
Cultivating positive emotions like love and kindness is like tending a garden. Just as a gardener nurtures plants by providing sunlight and water, we can nurture our inner garden by cultivating positive emotions. Love and kindness are like the seeds that, when planted and watered regularly, will blossom and bring joy to ourselves and those around us. When we focus on cultivating positive emotions, we are essentially shifting our attention away from negative emotions. By choosing to water the seeds of love and kindness, we are also choosing to starve the seeds of anger, jealousy, and hatred. This shift in attention can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and happiness. Research has shown that individuals who regularly practice loving-kindness meditation experience increased feelings of compassion, empathy, and overall life satisfaction. These positive emotions not only benefit the individual but also have a ripple effect on their relationships and the broader community. When we cultivate love and kindness within ourselves, we are better able to extend these feelings towards others, creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.- Cultivating positive emotions is a practice that requires patience and dedication. Just as a gardener must tend to their garden regularly to see it flourish, we must also make a conscious effort to cultivate love and kindness in our hearts. This practice is not always easy, especially in the face of adversity or conflict. However, by committing to this practice, we can gradually transform ourselves and our relationships for the better.
