Observe without evaluating
In practice, maitri means two things. First, it is the willingness to see what is happening in our personal experience. If we are feeling sad, we recognize it. If we are thinking bitter thoughts about ourselves or others, we recognize that. Whatever arises, we see it or feel it. This is our reality. We don’t put up barriers to ourselves.
                                             
Second, maitri is the willingness to allow anyone’s (ourselves included) experience be exactly what it is in any one moment. Maitri is not about becoming better or even making something or someone else better; it's about dropping the struggle to tinker with experience, to make it different from who and what we are.

Warmth and tenderness toward others and ourselves comes naturally when we are willing to welcome all of experience. Observing without evaluating is an act of hospitality; like greeting a guest into one’s home. Every human being is different. To reach them in a personal way, we have to pass over any stereotypes or expectations. Every contact can be a fresh experience.

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Fresh Perspective