When I first began working with all the different layers of Metta practice, I chose for my Neutral person a woman who was a cashier at a grocery store in my neighborhood. I worked with this person for over a year. At first, I would avoid going through this persons line because I found myself being awkward, like I was keeping a secret from her. Over time, I came to feel a real warmth and care for this person. I would wait extra time if their line was longer, so that I could check in with them. They would light up a bit when they saw me. They started sharing information about their lives, their children. They would really tell me how their day was going, not just pleasantries. They would let me know if things were hard. They could feel my care, tell that I was really listening.

I came to love this person. Truly. This woman no longer works at the grocery store. She told me when she was going for a new job. I was so excited for her, the schedule was going to be much better for her family.

When I bring this woman to mind, even now, years later, I feel such warmth. I hope that she is well. I still send her Metta now and then but not as my neutral person. The Neutral person has a way of becoming so much more. And then you are on the hunt for the next person to fall in love with.

If you don’t find God in the next person you meet, it is a waste of time looking for him further.

Mahatma Gandhi

Wholeheartedly,

Kim