"May we be the bridge and boat to cross the water": Community-engaged research on metta meditation.
Ariana Thompson-Lastad, Shah Noor Hussein, Jessica M. Harrison, Xiaoyu Jennifer Zhang, Mushim P. Ikeda, Maria T. Chao, Shelley R. Adler, Helen Y. Weng
Am J Orthopsychiatry January 9, 2025 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000823 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA community-based loving-kindness meditation program helped diverse LGBTQ+ adults build belonging, compassion, and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants reported that the practice supported them in coping with both personal stressors and structural oppression. Three main themes emerged: the community of practice fostered belonging; metta meditation cultivated compassion and equanimity; and the practice helped navigate harmful situations. The findings suggest that community spaces designed for belonging can connect contemplative practice with social change efforts.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 47 |
| Population | LGBTQ+ adults (62% lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual; 23% Asian, 19% Black, 13% Hispanic/Latina/o, 32% White, 24% multiracial) |
| Intervention | Metta meditation |
| Keywords | Compassion practice Benevolent meditation Mindfulness of love Communal health Social flourishing |
| Key finding | Metta meditation supported participants in navigating stressors and injustice, and community-based spaces designed for belonging can connect contemplative practice with social change efforts. |
Abstract
= 47; 62% lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual; 23% Asian, 19% Black, 13% Hispanic/Latina/o, 32% White, 24% multiracial). Qualitative analysis identified three central themes: (1) the importance of a community of practice for creating a sense of belonging (including during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic); (2) the benefits of metta practice for cultivating compassion and equanimity; and (3) the use of metta practice to cope with harmful situations, including individual-level stressors and structural oppression. Metta meditation supported participants in navigating stressors and injustice. Community-based spaces designed to cultivate belonging among diverse communities can support people to connect contemplative practice with their efforts for social change. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).