Lovingkindness

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sorry if this is an old subject, but I searched the archive without finding an

answer. I'm wondering how ACT relates to Buddhist lovingkindness (metta bhavana)

meditation?

I've been trying this recently, after reading books by Gilbert and Matthieu

Ricard. It seems like a wonderful idea. But wishing myself well often just seems

to enrage my " monsters " . Every thought of " may I treat myself with kindness " is

met with a cynical, bitter " you won't, you can't, you don't deserve it. " It

feels like I'm heading back into the battle, fighting on the bus, pulling on the

rope etc rather than letting go and moving forward. (Wishing other people well

doesn't produce this reaction at all.)

So I guess what I'm asking is, can this style of meditation be compatible with

ACT (maybe by giving up the verbal element)? Or should I stick to one

therapeutic model at a time? I'd hate to give up the (admittedly small) amount

of Buddhism in my life but maybe it's just a useless attachment.

cheers,

bb