Rethinking Kindness

Sep 6

And it's only the giving. That makes you what you are… -Jethro Tull/ Wond’ring Aloud

Recently I read an interesting horoscope about the difference between being nice and being kind. Bottomline the article brought up that being kind makes us dig much deeper than just being nice. The definition shared was that nice is often motivated by mechanical politeness, to be simply pleasant to others. You know how our mothers told us to play nice.

Whereas kindness is really more about the authentic urge to bestow the blessing of a kind action onto someone else – to make their day special because of your kindness. To sincerely express care or concern for another human being by going out of your way to do something not expected and that you gain nothing from, except perhaps from the joy of giving.

For example, in traffic being nice is not flipping someone off physically or verbally when they make a traffic error (not saying you do but you know…). Being kind is letting another car merge in front of you or letting someone cross the street knowing it will delay you in some way.

Another example of being nice is smiling at the retail clerk who helps you. Being kind is to actually go ahead and fill out the online survey that gives them kudos and extra points for helping you.

Being nice is giving a birthday present to someone you know. Being kind is buying a present for either no occasion at all or for someone you don’t even know.

To have a kindness practice is to plan on going out of your way to be kind on a regular basis. Can you think of more examples or stories of kindness that have touched you?

I recently heard these words during a guided meditation, and I hope they assist you today and as you move into the week ahead planning on ways to show more kindness.

May I be kindhearted

May I be tender and gentle

May I be peaceful with whatever is happening

both inward and outward.

P.S. Of course be nice too but with an extra dose of kindness in the mix. And btw kindness has been known to reduce stress for both the giver and receiver of said kindness. Just saying…