Kindness is about being considerate, compassionate and caring. Coming from an open loving heart, it is given freely, without any hidden agendas. We all know people who have selflessly built their lives around doing good for others less fortunate than themselves, but kindness is most often performed in a quiet, simple way out of sight, with no great fanfare and unnoticed by anyone expect the recipient.
Despite its often private expression, we should never underestimate how much it means to others when we speak and act towards them with kindness. A kind word can help soothe someone else’s hurt and pain, and can encourage and provide support when it is most needed. Giving our undivided attention, providing a listening ear, making our time available – all of these affirm the other person’s worth and lets them know that they are not alone in this world. That in itself is a mighty gift. Something as simple as sitting silently next to a friend as they gather their strength can give them added courage and touch their life with much-needed warmth.
On the other hand, words that are not kind have a way of spilling out and doing damage, sometimes before we are even consciously aware that we have spoken them. The injury they result in can be long lasting. Before we speak it could be helpful to ask ourselves these three little questions: ‘is it true?’, ‘is it kind?’, ‘is it useful?’. Often, although we don’t really have the full story, we still make hurtful comments. Occasionally we know full well that the words we speak will cause a lot of pain but we feel compelled to lash out regardless of the consequences, without concern for the person on the receiving end of our outburst. Sometimes we may fully believe what we say is the truth, but it doesn’t serve any real purpose to air it other than to make us feel momentarily superior.
I know I’d rather be giving and receiving kindness than any of the alternatives. What are some of the ways you can show kindness over the coming week?
