I once heard Sharon talk so simply about the practice of lovingkindness. "When the Buddha taught laypeople, he always began by talking about generosity," she said. "There are so many simple ways to be generous - small things like smiling at someone in an elevator, or listening to a stranger at a party..."

Sharon's teachings are very much on my mind these days, because of this wonderful challenge. I was at a party last night where I was tempted to stick to the few friends I knew well. I was tired. But then I spotted a man who'd arrived alone, who clearly didn't know anyone but the host, and when I walked over to talk to him, I felt Sharon come with me. Lovingkindness meditation can be practiced in so many ways. With or without guacamole and chips!