Lovingkindness

Written By Lisa Vratny-Smith

The amazing Sharon Salzburg has been popping up on my social media feeds a great deal this week and reminding me of her wisdom. Her book Lovingkindness was transformative in developing my personal practice of self-compassion and integrating the language of lovingkindness in to my teaching and everyday life. This practice has been a foundation for me to heal childhood wounds, build and mend relationships, set clear boundaries, and honor my own worth and needs. Additionally, it has led to a greater sense of connection with all beings in my community and around the world.

Most of us have a strong inner critic that seeks to keep us safe through its relentless judgement and correction. Unfortunately, this often leads us to feel worse rather than better. The practice of self-compassion can help us to be present with the challenges of life, while offering gentleness and acceptance of our own humanity. This Self-Compassion Break meditation from the Mindful Self-Compassion course is a wonderful tool to use in difficult moments when our inner critic is loud. I encourage you to give it a try and experience how things may shift for you with the practice.

If you would like to dig deeper into self-compassion, my Mindful Self-Compassion 10 Week Course will begin February 11 and run through April 22, 2026. The course will be offered weekly on Wednesdays via Zoom from 6-8PM MT. Course investment is $500 - although there is a $100 discount through 1/23/26.

Today is the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., whom we honor with a national holiday on Monday. While the language may not have been the same, lovingkindness toward all beings was the underlying message of Dr. King’s work and advocacy. May we each find ways to live this message and honor his work each day.

There is a New Moon in Capricorn on Sunday, January 18. While new moons are an opportunity to set intentions, this particular new moon encourages us to check in with ourselves, examine what is working and what isn’t. While we may not clearly know what our future goals are, it may help us to clarify the things that we are ready to leave behind. Read more about this new moon and the other planets impacting this weekend’s energy at Forever Conscious.

Please join me for Saturday Morning Yoga via Zoom at 8:30 AM MT as we show up for ourselves on the mat and care for ourselves with lovingkindness.

Dates for Full Moon Sound Baths for the winter and spring are below, so add them to your calendars! I will also be hosting a Spring Renewal Afternoon Retreat on March 28, 2026.

REGISTRATION is OPEN for my Spring Renewal Yoga Retreat for Women April 24-26, 2026. Treat yourself to a weekend of connection and renewal through yoga, meditation, time in nature, sound healing, and rest. Cost based on your room choice (options available on the website). Email lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com to reserve your spot.

Registration is open for next summer’s Mindfulness Retreat for Educators. Space is limited, so sign up early!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!

I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.

As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel.You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Chakra Clearing Sound Bath. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.

May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️

Lisa Vratny-Smith
Next

The GRACE model