The idea of kindness is one that has been on my mind the past couple of days. Being kind to others. Being kind to myself. Having kind thoughts. Being kind in my actions.
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Everyone is fighting their own battles and dealing with their own stuff. There are good days and bad days, easy times and hard times. One constant action that we can take is to remember kindness no matter the circumstances. It’s so easy to beat yourself up for things you did or did not do and to judge others for their actions but remembering that people are inherently good and are generally doing the best that they can do is one step towards cultivating an attitude of kindness. I was having a bad morning on Saturday when I was shown compassion in a way that I didn’t even deserve. It completely turned my mindset around.
The Dalai Lama said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Adhering to this mentality can be powerful and touch people in ways that you didn’t even know mattered. How many times have you had a crappy day and one small break, one kind action snaps you out of your funk? The person who showed you that kindness probably never even knew how much they helped you. Do that for others.
I read this passage to my yoga class this morning.
“Life just goes around and around, up and down like a waterwheel; our lives are like its buckets, being emptied and refilled again and again. Like the potter’s clay, our physical existences are fashioned into one form after another: the shapes are broken and reformed again and again, the low wall will be high, and the high fall down; the dark will grow light, and the rich lose all…
So be kind to one and all and don’t be biased, based upon illusions regarding gain and loss. Have neither hope nor fear, expectation nor anxiety; give thanks for everything, whatever your lot may be. Accept everything; accept everyone; and follow The Buddha’s infallible Law. Be simple and carefree, remaining naturally at ease and in peace.” – source
I encouraged them to commit to kindness this week. Remembering kindness when kindness isn’t easy. Knowing that it will lift them up as well as those around them.
And with that I am off to spend my afternoon on my own mat…setting my intention for my practice to be kindness.
Really nice read Jen. I will be mindful & practice kindness as well. Have a great week!
Great post. This is so true.
Love this. I was saying something similar to myself this morning. I need to try and keep in mind that everyone has their own stuff they are dealing with, whether you see it or not.
This is so true. And I think that a lot of the time, it’s actually easier to be kind to others than it is to be kind to yourself.
very true priya.
Great post. I have to remind myself of this daily at my job. When you work with the public, it can be very difficult at times…very. This post is very timely before I have to go back to work tomorrow 🙂
I just made the granola bars..mine will be slightly different as I didn’t have all the ingredients you put in the recipe. They’ve been in my freezer for a couple hours, and I can’t wait to try them!
amy – i feel your pain. it can be challenging to have a job that requires a lot of interaction with others. if you’re having an off day, you have to remember that it’s not their fault!
hope the granola bars turn out well.
love this! thanks for the reminder to be kind today and always, jen!
Isn’t it amazing how a someone can be nice and it can turn your entire day around? Just a simple wave or acknowledgement can make someone feel worlds better. This is a great post.
Beautiful post, Jen. Lots of love to you this week! xx
thank you clara! 🙂
Jen – I love this post! At this stage in my life, I find myself so conscious of kindnesses to me – and I am so grateful for them. As with you, it makes me determined to give the same sort of human touch and kindness to others. Kindness begets kindness. Your post is a great reminder – thank you!!
Great post, Jen. I agree that it’s important to also be kind to yourself. I’ve had a rough couple of weeks and I think reminding myself to be kind and not hard on myself is something I take to heart. I’ve had friends/family be very kind and generous during this time and it really does make your day. I hope your weekend ended on a good note!
we are our own worst critics for sure. i’m so happy to hear that you’ve been supported by friends and family. it makes all the difference in the world.
I just read this post and then hours later a good (new) friend of mine surprised me with great kindness — a pedicure and homemade sangria! She knew I’d been stressed and just feeling ‘off’ and she swept me away in kindness. Honestly, it brought me to tears. Kindness can cut you to the core– in a good way!
what a sweet and thoughtful gesture from your friend. a pedicure and sangria sounds perfect.
I absolutely love this post and shared it with my whole family. Constant kindness and gratitude are two characteristics that I have made a commitment to myself to always try to exemplify.
Thanks for sharing!
nicole – thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share with me.
Love this…. so very important to remember that you never know what people are going through. We are all doing the best we can under our different circumstances… It’s great when you have supportive friends and family and it feels even better when you can be that support for them. Thanks for this post… 🙂
This is my personal motto: Be kinder than necessary, because everyone is fighting some kind of battle!
Truer words were never spoken. Thanks for your post.
Great piece. This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. The idea that we can impact every person we meet in a positive way. But we must be kind to ourselves first as you say. A friend of mind recently even inspired me to start random acts of kindness. On occasion, I leave an extra $2 at a coffee shop for the next customer and tell the cashier it is an act of kindness from a perfect stranger. It sure is fun. Amazing how even being intentional about our kindness can affect both our happiness and the people we are kind to. It just feels good to be kind. Thanks for sharing this post. Have a great week.