Kindness is Power!
By Allen Merritt (©2017)
I don’t remember where I saw it exactly, but I saw
it.
It was a declaration and it was/IS powerful.
It was, “Kindness is Power!”
That was it!
I instantly wrote it down. Why? I guess because it
hit a chord. It meant something.
Kindness is powerful. So are many other things, but
the ones most powerful and impactful are the ones that aide in helping everyone
feel good. Kindness opens up doors and windows to new levels of trust and
acceptance. It helps us see possibilities beyond the norm.
I posted a message on social media today that read, “Give
yourself a big dose of loving-kindness.” Doesn’t it help to remind ourselves
repeatedly and as often as possible the power of positivity? I believe it
enhances and enriches life as we know it AND as we don’t know it.
I have certainly read many a bumper stick philosophy
honing in on how “mean people suck.” Somehow I get more of a warm fuzzy when
someone is kind. Kindess is capable of changing ones outlook toward the better.
Remember the idea of being nice for the mere sake of
being nice? Or, what about if you haven’t got anything good (or nice) to say,
then don’t say anything at all? Have these ideas fallen by the wayside
altogether?
Sometimes I wonder!
Overall, when it balls right down to it and by the
end of the day, being nice and experiencing kindness wins. I don’t know about
you, but I would rather experience a little kindness than not.
Have you ever noticed an act of kindness in action?
It’s amazing. Everyone stands to gain something from it, participants and
observers alike. Ergo, one cannot underestimate its value.
And yet, here’s another thought. Can there be too
much kindness and/or can one take advantage of one person’s kindness too much?
Here's another phrase that enters my thoughts, “Don’t take my kindness for
weakness.” I actually made that statement recently in light of feeling taken advantage
of. I guess in giving and receiving kindness one must also respect it.
While kindness is a quality it is also an act given
freely and with goodwill. When another person’s kindness is abused then it is
less freely given. Extracting kindness leaves us with the opposite such as
meanness, selfishness, cruelty, intolerance, indifference, hatred and animosity
among many. When I read these words I see nothing good to go on.
If kindness is good, what ideas come to mind that
make it so?
How about helpfulness, appreciation, understanding,
tenderness, affection, benevolence, courtesy, patience, thoughtfulness and the
like?
Maybe kindness is more about giving than receiving,
but simultaneously works best when experienced as a two way street? Does that
make sense? Does that increase the likelihood of kindness generating the power
of positivity?
Practice random acts of kindness because it is a
healthy thing to do. It builds, strengthens and fulfills a deep internal need
human beings have. If this is true, as research suggests, than defying our own
logic as humans only serves to destroy our own humanity.
I hope this week brings loving-kindness your way and
provides an opportunity for all of us to return the favor. And .let’s not
forget to be kind to ourselves in the process.
Here’s another blog about the power of kindness, which may prove insightful.
Here’s to you and all the ways to live life on a
positive note.
Cheers!
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