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A dear friend who meets people in heart, whom i have got to know being able to sing back to you the song of your heart when you have forgotten the words, to borrow an expression someone once used to say. Generous of heart, this person would do whatever possible to help onward and the wideness of space sensed includes being honest with difficult aspects in another also. I always perceived this as kindness even if there were times when i felt this to be deeply hurting and might have had difficulty accepting it, while in the same time, i could sense in it truth, good wil and a big heart behind whatever was said and done. To me his integrity and the kind, soft and caring heart was and will always be a rolemodel of how to be in the world, with my fellow people and with all. I cannot express how deeply grateful i am for having had the joy to have met him. With a deep bow and a deeply thankful heart, may all blessings be with him wherever he will go.
I believe I learned kindness from my Mom. There have also been many different people in my life that have shown huge kindnesses to me when life was hard. What I have learned from them is that kindness can be very contagious & believe it is crucial part of every day life.
“kindness can be very contagious” . Thank you for that statement, Robin Ann. I think that it is true, and it gives me hope.
I have a friend
who takes the time to be kind to everyone she meets in a day . . .
if someone is having a problem,
she drops everything
and goes to this person’s aid,
even if the person is a stranger.
I don’t know from where she draws her strength,
but she does.
She does not martyr herself
or think she is a hero,
but takes life in good stride.
We are not spiritually close,
but hold the same values,
and have a lot of ordinary things in common.
I admire her for who she is,
and I learn from the example she sets . . .
her behavior
reinforces my own desire to be kind. ♥
Sparrow, she sounds like a great example. Her way of treating everyone with heart and technique aligns with my philosophy on caring for others.
She is,
dear Loc,
and I am pleased
that she resonates with you too. ♥
My supervisor. I learn a lot from her non judgemental, tender way of connecting. Accepting myself and my clients exactly how they are right here, right now. Being curious and understanding.
From this place of radical acceptance real change can grow. I’m very grateful that she guides me on my professional journey.
Well said, Judith. Only branches are correctable. Roots can only be prevented. Human nature removes the toxic ones.
One time, I met a truly kind person.
He showed me a different way to live.
Sometimes, kindness requires courage.
Being the first to say hello. Asking if someone needs help. Putting myself out there, knowing that, when you lead with kindness, the rest takes care of itself.
”Sometimes, kindness requires courage.”
Yes,
it does,
but it is surely worth the effort,
dear Charlie . . .
thank you. ♥
My mom has been gone for a number of years now and I still remember her kindness as a gift. She modeled empathy and putting yourself in the other person’s position. She didn’t criticize others; she offered possible explanations so we learned that the story we told ourselves about what was happening wasn’t the only possible story. As an example, if someone cut her off in traffic she didn’t express anger; instead she’d say something like “Maybe they’re on their way to the hospital and their wife is having a baby.” I still do this when someone does something that could annoy me. I do get annoyed, then I remember I don’t know what’s going on in their world.
From her I also got my hosting reflexes, which are an expression of kindness. She fed everyone who came into our house. If I’m having people over I need to feed them well, and I’ll always have more than enough so no one needs to feel shy about taking seconds. Mom grew up during the Depression and I imagine that having plenty of food represented security as well as comfort.
This is beautiful Barb.
Your Mom was a wonderful teacher!
Thank you so much for passing this on to us.
♥️♥️♥️
Thank you, Mary. Yes she was!
I have a friend who is kind to the animals and people in her life. From a young age she used to bring home birds who were hurt and nurse them back to health. I have never had a pet and am not accustomed to animals, so whenever I get in an animal situation that overwhelms me I seek her advice and help. While she sometimes does express frustration at the actions of some individuals, she does not speak mean words about them. And she is courageous– this is what I can learn from her kindness. She puts her kind, compassionate thoughts into action. In the current political climate in the US, she organized a training of a local group of us to learn violence de-escalation skills via Zoom from Meta Peace Team (formerly Michigan Peace Team– no relation to Facebook). She also has organized a local group of people speaking up for immigrant rights. She constantly is reaching out to her friends and offering them ways to get involved in activism; in a nonjudgmental, invitational way.
When people are kind to animals, that says a lot about them.
Your friend is amazing.
What type of amnesia does the collective have that we all are sons & daughters of immigrants however many generations removed?
I don’t know . . .
for me,
dear Joseph,
this is one life’s greatest mysteries. ♥
I wonder about that too.
Also I wonder about people hardening their hearts.
I have a few I could mention however the 1 who comes to mind immediately is my Cousin Lisa.
She is the kindest, most generous, supportive person I know. She is always ready to help & offer her services. And, she gives with a smile on her face. 😊 She is always uplifting.
Her kindness is contagious. Her “way” has contributed to my being kinder.
I am thankful for her friendship.🙏🏻✨🩷
PKR, my favorite part about Lisa based on your definition is that she gives without agenda or pulling strings for personal gain.
My dear friends Barb and Joanna are two of the kindest people I know. Neither has had an easy life but both are fun, playful and always kind. They inspire me.
I don’t think I can name one person. I have and had so many show up just at the right time with kindness.
I have learned that any kind action is worth so much.
This is a hard question because I know so many kind people! They each have their own qualities, but overall the message and lessons are that being a kind person in this world boosts your energy, makes others feel good, and perhaps offers hope or inspiration. Also, like begets like, so you’re probably a kind person as well if you know and associate with a lot of kind people!
Sunnypatti, it goes to show how people are like elevators.
Maryellen from my Irish Dance Group – (actually the entire Monday Nighter Dance Group – we are one big family) She is so thoughtful, generous, and kind – every year since my mother passed she always sends me the most gorgeous flowers that are breathtaking.
I’m grateful for her love and friendship. I learn how much I love what kindness brings to my heart and soul.
I know many kind people. To me that question is akin to who is the most beautiful person you know, sincerest, handsomest, etc. etc………….. What I have learned from those many people is it is easier to catch flies with honey instead of vinegar. May all encounter and pass along some kindness today. Namaste,
I have Ngoc and my mom. They love helping and doing things for others.
Two beautiful women.
You have done well, Loc.
Two people popped into my mind at the same time. My dad and my aunt ( mom’s sister). Both have passed.
My dad rarely raised his voice and if he did it was a shock to my system because of its rarity. He never set expectations except do your best and be kind. He was supportive and generous.
My aunt had a lot of sass and could be a loud personality but even when things were tough for her she would give what she could to someone that needed it more. A true protector at heart it wasn’t smart to talk bad about someone in her presence cause you would get a talkin to and immediately learn kindness to all was the path to stay on.
From my dad I can learn kindness and generosity can be done with very little words but with a loving presence and from my aunt I can learn doing without to help someone else is not a sacrifice but a gift.
“doing without to help someone else is not a sacrifice but a gift.
Thank you, Deann.
I had an Aunt that sounds much like yours Deann. I heard her exclaim many a time “If you can not say anything nice, say nothing at all.” thank you for the reminder of my deceased Aunt Ruth. Also. the only person I have ever known to make Harvey Wallbanger cake.
A Harvey Wallbanger cake!
Oh my. 😂
Sounds delicious,
dear Joseph . . . 🙂
This made me go look up recipes for this cake, Joseph. I may just make it one of these days.
Your comment made me remember growing up and always hearing my Nanny’s say “She’s the cat’s mother” – you do not say ‘she’, you say their name.
If we referred to my Mom as “she” in her presence she would exclaim – who is “she” – the old cow ? 😊
😂