Cultivating Loving Kindness on World Kindness Day
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Today is World Kindness Day – a global celebration reminding us of the power of compassion, both for others and for ourselves.
In our fast-paced world, self-compassion often takes a backseat. Yet that’s where it all begins. When we are gentler with ourselves, kindness flows more freely to those around us.
At the recent SOAS BWY Summit, Professor Emeritus Dominik Wujastyk reflected on how yoga and Buddhism both recognise the transformative power of four inner qualities: loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. Drawing from Sutra 1.33 or Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he reminded us that:
“By cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous and equanimity toward the unwholesome; the mind becomes serene and clear.” (B.K.S Iyengar translation)
Dominik encouraged us to take a moment each day to quietly sit and bring these feelings to mind – a simple yet profound way to release overload and restore balance.
To help guide you into this space of loving kindness, we invited Donna Negus, Eastern Region volunteer and tutor at our Winter Solstice Festival (Friday 19 December) to share a short meditation.
We also asked Katie Roberts, yoga teacher and BWY member, to create a gentle practice focused on self-kindness. Her Loving Arms Meditation, inspired by her teacher Vi De Ville, offers a beautiful way to wrap yourself in warmth and compassion.
Katie’s practice is one of many heartfelt contributions featured in our 60th Anniversary Book – a collection celebrating six decades of shared wisdom, teaching and community.
Members can explore it via the Resources section of our website under BWY Membership.
As you move through today, let this World Kindness Day be a moment to pause and soften.
Remember: kindness begins with you – and from there, it ripples outwards.
About BWY
The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is committed to sharing yoga’s transformative power and rich heritage through events and education. Guided by yoga’s principles and traditions, BWY’s mission is to enrich lives through yoga, increasing accessibility and inclusivity. Established as a registered charity in 1965 and recognised as the National Governing Body for Yoga by Sport England and Sport Wales, BWY serves more than 5000 members and is supported by a 100-strong local volunteer network and a small central team.
For all media inquiries
Natalie Lyndon, BWY PR & Communications Officer
