By Shawn McAndrew
Political mudslinging, ethnic cleansing, shootings and mayhem – with all that is going on in the world these days, I sometimes wonder how we can show more kindness toward each other. A little kindness goes a long way to making someone’s day a little brighter, sometimes even bearable.
What Is Kindness?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
In the Process, kindness is not a specific methodology that we learn, but all roads lead to the concept and action of embodying kindness as we release patterns through the Cycle of Transformation (awareness, expression, compassion and forgiveness, and new behavior).
It’s Not Just A Concept
Kindness is not just a concept we strive toward. It is an action that we can take every day. Years ago, someone came up with the phrase, “Practice random acts of kindness.” People had it emblazoned on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and other media to remind each of us to be kind. It was sort of a fad, but we need more, now.
Let’s Create A Better World
In the Process, why do we do the work we do? Why do we choose to spend a week exploring the pain and depths of the human condition? In part, we do it to be better humans, have better lives, to create a better world and future for everyone. Imagine if everyone did this work!
Kindness is a byproduct of our work at the Process. By clearing away old patterns that keep us stuck in negativity and unhappiness, we are able to find our way back to being kinder and gentler. We find compassion and forgiveness after the cathartic work, visualizations, rituals, and introspections. What floats to the surface at week’s end is love, empathy, an open heart, and kindness – for ourselves, our loved ones, co-workers, even strangers.
Forgiveness As A Way To Kindness
When we do the Self-Forgiveness Walk in the Process, we are finding a way to be kinder to our selves and, by extension, to others. We examine what we are still holding on to, and give ourselves a chance to let go, and to let in mercy. It is hard to get to that place without kindness and compassion for one’s self.
Each act of kindness is a ripple that goes out to the world, and then comes back. It is a way to touch another human being on an emotional and spiritual level. It is a way to bring peace into our own body and mind. Being kind costs us nothing, but endows us with a fortune.
Some of our favorite Kindness quotes:
Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. – Barbara de Angelis
Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. – Scott Adams
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. – Amelia Earhart
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Deal with the faults of others as gently as with your own. – Chinese proverb