Why is there no difficult person, like in the loving-kindness session?

This session keeps every quality gentle so all four fit into one sit. For practice with someone difficult, try the loving-kindness session instead.

What if sympathetic joy feels forced?

Common. Keep saying the phrases anyway — noticing a little envy without judging it is part of the practice, not a sign you're doing it wrong.

No — indifference is what it's often mistaken for. Equanimity keeps the caring and lets go of needing to control how things turn out.

Nothing to do now

10:00

6 stages over 10 minutes. A bell marks every change, so you can keep your eyes closed.