Episode 132: Cherishing Others, The Basis of All Good Qualities

The Buddha said that the minds of his followers should “constantly, day and night, delight in spiritual practice.” What practice can we weave through our days and use our own life as a spiritual path? What practice can we do at work, at home, with strangers, children, parents, and our partner? Cherishing others is a practice we can do whenever we have an intention; in other words, wherever we are awake. Cherishing others directly opposes our own selfishness, also known as self-cherishing. Cherishing another means that we have the intention: your happiness is important. I myself will work for your happiness.

Cherishing others has so many benefits. It is the basis of all good qualities, and, if practiced until it is our only intention, will lead to enlightenment. Cherishing others solves all problems between ourselves and others. Conversely, selfishness leads to pain and conflict; it is the foundation of all suffering. In this episode, JoAnn Fox explains how to practice cherishing others in daily life. She also guides a short meditation on cherishing those closest to us.

Modern science reveals that cherishing others even has health benefits. A study in The Journals of Gerontology found that “in an ethnically diverse group of older adults, those who gave social support to others experienced much lower rates of mortality compared with those who didn’t offer assistance.”

Cherishing others can also reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A study in the journal Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science found that people who “practiced a kindness mindset had 23% lower cortisol levels than the average person.” Chronically high cortisol has been linked to health conditions like cardiovascular disease, weight gain, osteoporosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes. So cherishing others is good for your health!

Always wide awake

Are the disciples of Gotama

Whose minds constantly, day and night,

Delight in spiritual practice.

-Buddha, The Dhammapada

If you are interested in learning how you can work with JoAnn Fox as a Life/Spiritual Coach, visit https://buddhismforeveryone.com/coaching

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 76

Sweet, Joni (Feb. 2021). How Random Acts of Kindness Can Boost Your Health During the Pandemic. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-random-acts-of-kindness-can-boost-your-health-5105301