Kindness is the art of gentleness, care, goodwill, friendliness, generosity and warmth; towards self, others, and Mother Earth.
Many folk are feeling the harshness of the world in this present climate. And many who do, find some individual or group responsible for that harshness, and wish, or talk, or push for them to make changes. I am not saying that is wrong, but it does often seem futile. What instead, if we start with self; the one being in this life-time we actually do get to control?
What instead, if we each choose to be as kind as we are able; even when life around us is harsh; and spread kindness around like autumn leaves? Do we not become a better person in doing so? A person who in turn influences their immediate circle, who influences the community, who influences the world?
It seems to me the answer is a resounding ‘yes’! That if we each ‘be the kindness we want to see’, and do random acts of it whenever we can ~ for self, family, a stranger, an animal, the nearest forest, the global village ~ then one starfish at a time(1), the world starts authentically changing.
Practice kindness without expectation, there is nothing that needs to come back to you from your small or large gesture. Seeing the person on the receiving end light up with joy, or simply straighten their shoulders a titchy bit because you took some of their load off, is a gift in itself, you won’t need anything else.
Keep practicing kindness until it is simply your nature; until it is not a thought process of ~ shall I hold the door open for the person behind me, or smile at someone who is looking sad, or give a dollar, a coffee, a meal to someone who needs it ~ it is just something you do.
If you figure you are too down, poor, or unable to be kind at the moment, I’m going to suggest you’d be wrong. It doesn’t cost anything in terms of money to give a smile, greeting, hug, or moment of your time. Nor does it take anything from you to genuinely listen to another, offer an ‘I’m sorry’, say thank you, or encourage someone in need of support.
And not only does it not cost you money, it doesn’t cost you energy either! You will actually receive a boost of energy from your kindness, from seeing the lift of spirit in the other guy ~ true story!
Darwin’s ‘Survival of the Fittest’ is well known. Less well known is his ‘Survival of the Kindest’(2); his theory that warm and sympathetic environments allow humans and other mammals a greater chance of survival. We are hardwired to connect with others and to feel compassion(3). We are actually fighting against type when we are unkind!
You, me, each of us, we can change the world. And we do it figuratively and literally, one act of kindness ~ or one act of harshness ~ at a time. We each get to choose which!
So throw kindness out there with abandonment, and inwards to self too… go to bed with gratitude for the opportunity to do so… enjoy your tea(4)… and may your magick serve you well. ~ GreenWitch Tea
Love does not die easily. It is a living thing. It thrives in the face of all of life’s hazards, save one – neglect. ~ James D. Bryden
(1) One starfish at a time (2) Survival of the Kindest (3) Compassion (4) GreenWitch Tea
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2 Comments. Leave new
well presented article greenwitchtea.com being kind and drinking green tea
that works for me, loved the pictures.
thanks greenwitch
Thanks Mark, I appreciate your comments! Many blessings to you… sprinkle kindness everywhere… )o(