Pandemic Lesson #2 – Be Kind to Others

The title of this post may be surprising for it is not what you think.  Being kind to others seems like good advice, right?  And, if asked, wouldn’t you say that you always try to be kind to others except when they are being idiots or mean – a real “douche bag?”  Many times, a lack of kindness is not a reflection of the object of the ire or scorn but of the person or individual who is being unkind.  In other words, a person who is unkind feels unkind in themselves and reflects that outwardly toward another.

I’ve been working on a little experiment I’m calling “self-kindness opportunities.”  What this means is that I’m more mindful of my internal dialog and I will shift it when I feel the negativity becomes just too much for me to swim in.  In giving myself that extra tolerance to make mistakes and learn, I find I’m doing the same with those around me.  The harder I am on myself, the harder I am on those around me.  (See how that works?)

Unkindness is really a reflection of the individual at that moment.  I emphasize the idea of momentarily unkindness because our emotions do change in the moment or extreme and if we are new to this kind of work, wrestling down these emotions may take some effort and a conscious desire to change this behavior.  It is this important change that is extremely difficult because our world supports lashing out and correcting other’s behavior that we believe is incorrect.  (Have you noticed social media?) To be different means I’m standing out which is a struggle we all want but…not really.  I want to different, I just don’t want to stand out.

However, we all stand out.  As hard as we try to blend and be alike, we are all individuals and we stand out….just, not, maybe up.  And, that, Dear Reader, is what I hope to change.  I have decided to stand out.  Or, I’ve decided to honor who I am and not give a good “rat’s ass” what anyone thinks. If I’m happy being me, then I can also let you be you.  Be kind. Pass it along.

Peace.