Be Kind. Words that I utter to myself and try to encourage around me, but recently I was reflecting on what it actually means to be kind and I realised that I can’t seem to find the words to express it. Whenever I think of kindness, I can only sense a feeling of peace, joy and love wash over me. There is this softness that makes everything feel gentle and easy. So what do we mean when we say be kind?
There is so much talk about being kind these days, it’s becoming somewhat of a fad and one that is being encouraged left right and centre on social media. But what does it actually mean and how can we cultivate more of it? As I ponder on this, I start thinking about how kind I am towards myself and the answer is not reassuring. Being kind towards myself doesn’t come naturally or easily. I have tried over the past few years to practice more kindness, but in all honesty I need to understand it more deeply.
Is being kind the same as being thoughtful, friendly or caring? Or are there subtle differences between each of these? Is kindness an act or a philosophy that guides our mindset? Kindness is defined as the “quality of being friendly, generous and considerate”. Like most words it has gone through an evolution, but its roots are in the old English word Kyndness which meant “nation” and also “produce an increase”.
Ok, so looking at the root of the word didn’t help and for me, the definition doesn’t capture the essence of kindness either. So then what is it? What are we encouraging? What does kindness possess that despite us ever defining it, we are all clear about what it means and what it entails? Or maybe that is a big assumption that we’re making, that we all interpret kindness to be the same thing.
For me, kindness goes hand in hand with compassion, non-judgement, patient, understanding, gentleness, respect and forgiveness. It’s a state of acceptance that enables you to feel and be free. I recognise that I need to extend more kindness to myself, but I can’t seem to catch myself quick enough when the critical thoughts come flooding in. I would like to create a space within me, where I give myself permission to be without judgement. A space where I can cultivate joy and peace, instead of latching onto doubt and criticism.
I would like to be kinder towards myself, so that in turn, I can radiate kindness to others.
This is a journey that needs much more thought and reflection; one that will be learned through time and with practice. I suppose kindness will reveal itself to me once I let go of any resistance to change into a different version of myself.
Love Always,
M
Souloom™ 