We Aren't Kind Enough

What is kindness? How might it operate in our daily lives? Why does it matter?

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.”
― Khalil Gibran

Actively listening and observing can tell us a lot about what others are dealing with in life. We do not know what others are encountering on their paths. Many lives are fraught with sadness, grief, pain and despair to varying degrees. In our present day society kindness is not valued as it might be. While some people seem to be naturally kind I think that it is a quality that one can nurture in oneself.

When a person feels unheard, when he is left alone, oftener and longer than he would wish, it can be tough. Kindness can make life better and restore a person with hope, even momentary joy.

What does kindness look like?

Kindness is showing up in someone's life. Kindness is paying a past act of happiness forward to another person. Kindness is a hug, a meal and a willing ear lent graciously.  Kindness is a smile that reaches to the eyes, an interaction with someone that doesn't involve repeatedly looking at one's watch. Kindness can involve doing acts of service of any sort.

Kindness is a state of being and a state of mind. It is an act of holding space for someone unlike others in your life and trying to understand. Kindness is giving someone what he wants and not what you want.

Kindness involves not shaming people for their problems and privations.

I'm working on being kinder to myself and I hope that translate into my being kinder to others as well.