Kindness

 

Parisha Taylor teaches us the power of showing that you care. How its energy is from the heart.

We live in a world today of broken families, loved ones estranged from one another, spouses or loved ones serving in the military overseas. Some are in prison. Uncertainties grow as people have lost trust in the government, banks etc. People are looking for meaning in their lives. Some have lost homes and jobs. Some have had their homes demolished in severe weather storms. 

Kindness is a soothing balm in these troubled times. It may not come easily at first, when people may have so many concerns and worries in their lives, whether on a monetary level, or emotional, family etc. Due to everyday stress, they may actually treat each other unkindly, speaking harshly to each other, reflecting their own inner anxieties, taking it out on the ones we most love and hold dearest to us.

Start by treating yourself with kindness and caring, self-love and respect. We have to consider what attracted us to our partners in the beginning? We showed them our best. Parisha Taylor says after over 40 years of marriage she still makes sure when her husband awakens, he sees her at her best. We are responsible for how others perceive us so we become aware of what it is that we are broadcasting through our appearance.” Then you can show kindness to others. Heal yourself with little acts of kindness daily. Have a bunch of colorful flowers on your kitchen table, beautifying the room. Smile. Laughter heals by increasing the serotonin in the brain and uplifting and changing your attitude. Have a massage or get your hair and nails done. If you look good, you feel good. Relax with your favorite music or book.

Now reach out to others with kindness. Smile. Make eye contact with people. One of the best ways to forget your own problems is to reach out to others. Some people are so lost and alone, keeping their eyes downcast as they feel invisible and that no one cares So, look into their eyes, smile warmly and let them know you see them, that they are important, that YOU care, that they are a child of God, All knowing, All-Loving. As Parisha Taylor teaches us, “We Matter”

Do a service for someone daily. Volunteer at a hospital, women’s shelter, food pantry or other charitable organization of your choice. Or start with your immediate circle of family and friends. If you have a spouse or loved one, even for your children, write love notes of caring and appreciation on sticky notes and post them on the refrigerator, on their desk or in their lunch box. Bring a smile to others. Call a friend or loved one. Send an email. Communicate with your immediate family members, with kindness.

Show kindness to coworkers also. Avoid habitual patterns that may have previously led to arguments etc. Reach out and speak kindly to someone you normally don’t talk to or associate with much. Get to know them. Invite them for a cup of coffee or tea.

“There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.”
Dalai Lama 

Kindness starts as a spark of caring that grows into a flame and burns brightly. As people begin to feel their lives changed by kindness, they too will reach out to others with kindness and this world will be a better place.

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
Lao Tzu 

Today, more so than any other time, we need each other, to be supportive and encouraging of one another. Remember, a little kindness goes a long way. With kindness, caring and compassion, we are opening our hearts to love. 

In Galatians 5:22 it is said,” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” 

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
Dalai Lama 

So, think of what acts of kindness you can do every day to make a difference in people’s lives. I came across an interesting web site randomactsofkindness.com. Here are some of their ideas. If you need more ideas, they list 263 on their web site. …
Clean Up Graffiti
Donate Used Books to Library
Give Care Packs to Homeless
Help a child learn
Help someone for free, e.g. Yard work.
Hold the door open for someone.
Let someone go in line in front of you.
Give them coupons you have for something they are buying
Mentor an at risk child
Make blankets for homeless
Pay the tab for a person
Read to a child
Write a letter to someone who made a difference in your life
Visit an animal shelter
Pick up trash
Send flowers
Be kind to someone you may not like.
Call or visit someone who is sick
Donate to a food bank
Donate Blood
Donate used clothing
Encourage someone
Give someone a hug

One young woman painted beautiful designs on brand new running shoes that were donated and after they were decorated, she took them personally to the selected disabled children for whom they were chosen. They walked over to her, saw their beautifully hand painted running shoes, exclaiming in delight and pure joy and then hugged her. 

As we allow Spirit to guide us in life, kindness becomes our way of life.

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
-Dalai Lama

Lastly Parisha Taylor said to us, “don’t just do it, BE it.” Be who you really are and the world will respond to your Kindness and Caring.

-PC