LIFE'S KINDNESS

Kindness in words creates confidence;
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness;
Kindness in giving creates love.

These words attributed to the ancient Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu, clearly highlight the far-reaching impact of Kindness on human behavior. It truly encompasses the global effect that an act of kindness can exert on the environment.

Kindness is defined as a quality of being caring and considerate and sympathetic and forgiving. It is an act that is directed to understanding the needs of others and providing help and support. It is a state that requires your providing strength and understanding of the problems of others in need, and if possible providing solutions to benefit them. It is the single, most universal act that “makes the world go around”.

Throughout the ages, the world has had examples of people of exceptional kindness who have devoted their lives in the service of others. They come from every culture and every level of society. All of them exhibit the constant attribute of kindness and love for their fellow being and an unconditional desire to help.

Although the history books are overflowing with information of their lives and works yet somehow we have never tried to follow their examples. It seems that we prefer to confine them to oblivion as we continue to lead our lives of conflict and selfishness. Consider the great humanitarian physician, Albert Schweitzer who devoted his Life to caring for the sick in Africa, and Mother Teresa, who cared for unfortunates in India. Despite all the good works done, few people think of them any more. What a shame!

But kindness should not be limited exclusively to these wonderful people. Each one of us has the propensity and ability to exhibit kindness and in our own way be a source of help to others, as for that matter, others can be a source of good for us. Just by being more aware of the needs of others around us, more considerate and more willing to understand them and above all, more willing to give of ourselves, we can significantly achieve changes. The result will be rewarding to you and to them. For wherever you go, kind people are liked by everybody.

An anonymous author noted that one random act of kindness has the ability to change the world by inspiring others to help. Kindness is contagious and the more people who are “infected” the greater chance we have of spreading it around and beyond. In this context I can do no better than to quote the Dalai Lama who in a speech he delivered on September 11, 2001 after the bombing of the World Trade Center. He stated:

“Those others are waiting for you.

They are looking to you for guidance, for help,
for courage, for strength, for understanding, and for assurance at this hour.
Most of all, they are looking to you for love.
My religion is very simple.
My religion is kindness.”

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Kindness is the golden key that unlocks the hearts of others.
….George MacDonald

There is no such thing as a small act of Kindness;
Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.
…….Scott Adams

No act of kindness is ever wasted.
……Aesop (from “The lion and the Mouse”)
Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless.
…..Mother Teresa

A single act of Kindness throws out roots in all directions,
and the roots spring up and make new trees.
…..Amelia Erhart

Kindness can become its own motive.
We are made Kind by being Kind.
……Eric Hoffer.