Kindness

"Kindness is being concerned about the welfare of others. Kindness is showing you care about anyone or anything that crosses your path… Kindness means to care for others and the earth as much or more than you care about yourself. Kindness is showing love to someone who is sad or needs your help.

-excerpts from the Virtues cards with permission from The Virtues Project™

At this time of year, I am always shocked and amazed when a stranger says to me, "Have you gotten your Christmas shopping started yet?" or "Have you gotten your shopping done yet?" It's happened to me twice already this year. I know this well-meaning person is trying to start a pleasant conversation with me. What if, instead, we asked, "How have you practiced your kindness today?" "How are you doing with kindness this season?" "Has someone been kind to you today?"

At this time of year, when television and radio are bombarding us with their blaring "invitations" to buy, buy, buy, how can we focus on what's important to us? Is it to feel and show the spirit of the season? Is it to celebrate our religious traditions? Is it to connect deeply with others. Is it to spend more time with our family? Is it to show kindness whenever we can?

Questions for reflection:

1. What are some ways I practice kindness with others?

2. How will I take time at this holiday season to show special kindness to someone?

3. How can I show kindness to anyone or anything that crosses my path?

4. How will I plan my time to include kindness to myself?

September 23, 2003