The practice of Metta [lovingkindness] is, at a certain level, the fruition of all we work toward in our meditation.

It relies on our ability to open continuously to the truth of our actual experience, not cutting off the painful parts, and not trying to pretend things are other than they are.

Just as spiritual growth grinds to a halt when we indulge our tendency to grasp and cling, Metta can’t thrive in an environment that is bound to desire or to getting our expectations met.  ~ Sharon Salzberg/Joseph Goldstein