In a World Where You Can be Anything, Be Kind
Practicing kindness can change us (and our communities) from the inside out. Here is how (and why) kindness should be our first instinct.
Perhaps if we looked up from our wounds, we would see others as equally deserving, show empathy, and exercise human kindness. It does not take much to be kind, but that display of thoughtful consideration and gentleness toward others goes a long way. It blossoms into peaceful co-existence and boosts the power of belonging to the human side.
Defining Kindness
The dictionary describes kindness as the gift of being considerate, generous, and friendly. Kindness requires a tender heart - that is quick to recognize the humanity in others and empathize without losing integrity. Kindness does not mean compromising ethical practice. It is a means of enforcing the truth with grace and gentleness.
Milk of Kindness
In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Lady Macbeth complains that her husband is full of the milk of kindness, which he uses to kill their enemies. The lady means her warrior husband uses kindness as a choice weapon to slay his enemies. The lady fears her husband's tenderness hinders him from rising to the throne by killing the king.
Kindness is an exceptional weapon that cuts through the walls of hate and indifference. It melts the mightiest strongholds. In today's world, there is no place for forbearance or empathy. There is no thriving nor co-existing in diversity. Everyone wants their way or the highway. Opposers have become adversaries with sinister motives deserving judgment, hate, wrath, and hell. Woe to you if your perceptions, beliefs, and reasoning do not agree with the rest. A little kindness can go a long way.
The Dalai Lama's Philosophy on Kindness
"The more you nurture a feeling of kindness, the happier and calmer you will be" is one of the famous Dalai Lama quotes. It shows the benefits of gentleness in this hate-filled world. In his book, The Power of Kindness, he explains how tender hearts get to enjoy inner peace and happiness.
People are advocating for kindness in today's society using a creative outlet.
Kindness in the Media
The Kindness Diaries
The Netflix docuseries, The Kindness Diaries, gives a glimpse of a compassionate world. In the series, Leon Logothetis, the lead actor, travels around the world on his motorcycle, relying on the kindness of strangers. He, in turn, rewards them in unexpected yet touching ways.
Logothetis does not accept money. The help comes as food, shelter, or gas. He also interacts with the kind locals, finds their dreams and aspirations and pays it forward.
The whole series is inspirational. It humanizes strangers. It shows that compassion is a need for every human. If altruism works, you can pass generosity forward and create a ripple effect of tender-hearted humans.
A little kindness lends a helping hand to an overwhelmed brother. It points the wayward sister in the right direction. It is attentive to the down and out and does not capitalize on rightness. It does not speculate on the needy's deservingness.
How to Choose Kindness Daily
In a world full of meanness, you can be an agent of change through a random act of kindness. Hatred breeds contempt - a ripple effect that destroys families, societies, and nations. Another person does not have to commit suicide for humans to be merciful. You do not need a reason to be kind. The other party being human is reason enough.
Here are practical ways to make the world a better place through kindness.
Become a Peace Ambassador
Do not gloat over your rightness, virtues, or political correctness at the expense of another person's peace of mind. If they are wrong, admonish with love. Try to bring out their error in a compassionate way. Chances are they may be oblivious to their perception.
Sometimes, let the argument go for the sake of peace. Remember, you can only change yourself in this world. No amount of hurling insults, death threats, or degrading can inspire change. It only fosters resentment and defensiveness.
Additionally, do not be quick to identify faults. Overflow with the milk of human kindness by letting the communicator reach the same conclusion through their reasoning. Your humanness weakens their defenses. Chances are they are going to return the favor. It causes them to reflect on their response and mind their language.
Seek to Hash Things Out in Private
Extend that olive branch when things are getting heated. Resolve to sort out the misunderstanding privately. Usually, other non-discerning followers fan the flame of hate, turning it into an inferno. Ensure the conversation does not end up in a bitter name-calling exchange. If you cannot reach an amicable solution, resolve to step back and let it slide.
If you are having this heated exchange with a colleague or loved one. Have a private conversation or send them an email or message. Let them know you care and that the issue should not come between your relationship.
Capitalize on Passing Compliments
It is easy to find fault, criticize, and cancel people for doing wrong. However, everybody deserves a second chance. Nobody made you judge and jury for anyone's life trajectory. Encourage the person to do better now that they know better.
Practice Loving Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) is a self-care technique to increase inner peace and your capacity to connect with others. The compassion-based intervention is vital for perfecting your tender heart. It encourages you to look at your deeds with kindness.
Talk to yourself as you hug or stretch. Encourage and motivate yourself in the process. Pat yourself in the back for doing great. You gave your best with your limited resources and knowledge. You can do better next time. Besides, other doors will open. Refuse to let uncertainty cloud your judgment. Resolve to take the next step and trust the process.
Say Thank You and Please
Our society thrives on making demands, especially within the confines of our rights. Remember, another human being is at the receiving end. Let gentleness prevail. Shouting, impatience, and insults do not need to accompany your demands. You can correct them with grace.
Meekness does not mean weakness, and neither does it equate to compromise. It is a courteous assertion. Therefore, give your thank yous and please generously. Always accompany them with a warm smile. You could brighten someone's day by acknowledging their effort.
Have a Kindness Week
Purpose to randomly bless others. Through these simple everyday actions.
- Pay a meal for a stranger
- Hold the door for the person coming past you
- Help a stranger get their shopping across the road.
- Send an encouraging message to a colleague to let them know you recognize their effort.
- Compliment a stranger
- Have a conversation with a stranger
- Ask your neighbor how they are doing
- Buy a homeless person a meal
Whatever you do, let kindness rock in your physical location and conversations online. Ask your compassion recipients to pass it forward. The world needs more random acts of kindness.