“Greatness lies not in being strong but in the right using of strength... He is the greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts.”
The world feels hard right now
So many feelings of anger, grief, confusion, sadness….
Even more opinions and judgements - I’m right you’re wrong….
I can’t pretend to understand what’s going on in the world right now….
I don’t dare say anything because of being made wrong.
It brings me back to the 12 year old me, afraid to voice out her worries and fears for fear of being laughed at or god forbid - ostracised and being made unlovable.
I know how it makes my heart feel though ….. sad.
And when I don’t say anything, I’m wrong too.
“Silence means compliance, silence means violence” - well at least that’s what they say on the boards. And I haven’t really thought of it in that way for a long time, because what I’ve been working on these past few years is to choose kindness instead of being right; To say nothing, if I have nothing good to say.
Silence is like sitting on the fence and not taking sides. Truth is I’m ON the side of justice and I’m NOT for violence or hate. What then? If I have the choice to choose, can I choose kindness?
That’s what I’m doing right now. I’m choosing to be kind to myself and to the people around me, who matters, to stop judging and just be in listening.
“Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.”
Have you watched the movie, Wonder? It’s follows the story of a boy , named Auggie, who has a facial deformity and how he navigates his family and school life.
Towards the end of the movie, his principal, Mr. Tushman gave a speech and quoted a line from JM Barrie’s book The Little White Bird - "Shall we make a new rule of life … 'Always be Kinder than is necessary’. What a marvelous line, isn’t it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed. Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed."
All of us have the capacity to be kind regardless of race, religion or colour - but unconsciously we choose our moments of kindness, because there are biases, prejudices and precondition beliefs ingrained in us.
We are all at different places, experiencing all kinds of emotions right now.
And what if we take a PAUSE from all the feelings and opinions and just for a moment, we make choices out of love & kindness?
Then we go out there and save the world?
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
“The sun shines down, and its image reflects in a thousand different pots filled with water. The reflections are many, but they are each reflecting the same sun. Similarly, when we come to know who we truly are, we will see ourselves in all people.”
When I was younger, I remember someone asked me what am I good at? At that time, I had no idea, but I do know when someone is sad, and I will want to cheer him up. I do know when someone feels left out, I will invite them in. Because I know what it feels like to be sad, and excluded, like I don’t belong.
So I think I’m good at being kind… not perfectly so. I acknowledge that I’m not always kind, but I try to be, every moment of everyday.
(And I seek your forgiveness for any wrongdoings or if I had said something hurtful - I didn’t do it intentionally. I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware. I wasn’t listening. I’ll do better.)
Being kind - well it doesn’t make an impressive resume, but for the resume of life, it’s a good superpower.
This is not a solution to what’s happening out there in the world, but it’s one way to heal our heart space so we can be stronger to face what’s out there.
I invite you to cultivate and strengthen your own superpower of kindness. Let’s create an intention tonight, every night and every moment to choose kindness.
Because it is sorely needed right now.
Let’s see what’s possible when we choose to move out of our heads and into our heart.
Try a little kindness. Share this post to someone who needs a little nudge.