Part of practicing metta meditation involves working with beings that are “neutral” to us. These beings are neutral in the sense that they do not trigger too strongly within us a sense of aversion or attachment, hate or love, etc.
Since the pandemic, when I work with neutral beings in my metta meditations, many of the people, trees and animals I have encountered on my walks (often along the harbor) have come to mind.
And as we practice sending well wishes and lovingkindness towards them, they become less neutral and we feel more connected to them. They do not do anything; this happens just by thinking of them, visualizing them and sending them love.
A beautiful aspect of this practice is that with time, they may become less neutral. Over time our softened eyes and tender hearts may see less neutrality and more interconnectedness.