08/05/2026
This is such a powerful ‘in the moment’ practice that can serve and remind us again and again how to stay more centred, balanced, and in a state of greater peace.
Our human tendencies can often prevent us from meeting a situation or circumstance with kindness and compassion for all.
We judge, we compare, we criticise, we feel envy… But what we often fail to realise is that the consequences of our thoughts and actions in this way bring emotional turmoil and mental disharmony, so - what we serve to others we are also serving to ourselves!!
The antidote for these mental contaminants is simple and effective - regardless of who is involved and how they present themselves to you.
These four beautiful qualities, said to bring greater states emotional balance, peace, and clarity to the mind are:
Maitri — friendliness and loving kindness
Karuna — compassion
Mudita — joy for the happiness and success of others
Upeksha — equanimity and inner steadiness
These teachings remind us that peace is not created by controlling the outside world, and hoping for a different outcome, but by cultivating and shaping the way we respond to it.
When we practise maitri, we soften judgement and meet ourselves and others with kindness.
When we embody karuna, we create space for compassion instead of criticism.
When we experience mudita, we celebrate others rather than compare ourselves.
And through upeksha, we learn to stay grounded amidst life’s highs and lows, with a balanced and clear mind.
Together, these qualities help regulate our emotional waves. bringing greater calm, clarity, connection, and balance to daily life.
A simple practice:
Pause today when confronted with a situation and ask yourself:
Can I respond with kindness?
Can I meet this moment with compassion?
Can I celebrate instead of compare?
Can I remain steady without shutting down?
Observe 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Yoga is so much more than the shapes we make on the mat - we are learning to live skilfully from the inside out.
