A Reflection on Kindness

goat · 2024-10-10 23:35:18

I've thought a lot about the current times we find ourselves in, from the macro to the micro, etc..

...The only answer I can seem to come up with, that seems universally applicable to the myriad of circumstances is: kindness. And in addition to that, compassion.

It's my particular view/position, but, I think it would be more difficult to be cruel, if kindness was more common than cruelty and indifference.

It's nice to look some one's way and see them smile at you, rather than have them scowl, or look away.
It's nice to be complimented, rather than criticized.
It's nice to be welcomed, rather than to be excluded.

I think it's nice when things are nice. I think we are often indifferent to our indifference. And it's often quite harsh, to feel the sting of harshness.

There is Game Theory, of course, and how, perhaps under certain conditions, it is not optimal to put the best foot forward, all the time.

However, personally, I've thought a lot about it, and I just can't think of any other way to overcome cruelty, ignorance, and indifference, than to meet cruelty with kindness, ignorance with enlightenment, and indifference with care, concern, or compassion. This is easier said than done, and, it's highly unlikely I am a shining example of such; perhaps quite far from it, at times.

However, perhaps, in light of the current paradigm, kindness and compassion is something we can take into consideration. Hopefully not to take up the task as some kind of burdensome and insincere yoke, that we might end up trying to heap loads of unwanted and ineffective kindnesses towards others, or to make an aim or goal of the endeavor. Also, not that we all should become a bunch of soft softies, of which there may be appropriate times and places, but, isn't always applicable to all situations. But, perhaps, as something to consider, in quiet moments: that we may learn to increase our receptivity as well as our ability to reflect genuine, and sincere kindness.

Imagine the surprise, when, some one with a thick skin, can reveal at times, their soft underbelly. Or imagine, when some one perceived as quite quick to give and bend, reveals a sharp and keen rigidity, when it's to a great benefit. Sometimes we are more than we realize.

I think it may, perhaps be, terribly important, in the times we currently find ourselves in. So, thank-you, for reading, for your consideration, and for your kindness, and compassion.

-goat

golinux · 2024-10-11 00:10:37

Thank you for that lovely post, goat. However, playing devils advocate . . . sometimes truth hurts and even a Zen master has a stick.

swanson · 2024-10-11 06:52:47

Great thinking goat! Than you!

zapper · 2024-10-11 13:21:39

@golinux yes, repaying evil with good is the Godly way to live.

Sometimes that can be tough though.

In any case, its hard and right to do.

Last edited by zapper (2024-10-11 13:30:24)

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#1 2024-10-10 23:35:18

A Reflection on Kindness

#2 2024-10-11 00:10:37

Re: A Reflection on Kindness

#3 2024-10-11 06:52:47

Re: A Reflection on Kindness

#4 2024-10-11 13:21:39

Re: A Reflection on Kindness

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