How do you think of kindness? Is it your default behavior, or does it only appear later after you have already established an idea that someone is safe or unthreatening? Why should kindness depend on anything at all? I believe we can always be kind. It is not easy, but it is worth it. I fail here routinely currently because I am often lost in thought with such an intensity that I miss opportunities to be friendly and kind to those around me. I am slowly learning to slow down more, to tame my thoughts more, and to be more present for anyone I come across. I wish I could say that I consistently see this act being reciprocated, but I unfortunately have my attention ignored due to a phone screen all too often. That is their choice, though. My choice is to still put forth my best effort because I know that is the kind of person I want to be – a calm, clever, present, and kind person.
A clever person cannot be evil. A kind person is always clever.
-Leo Tolstoy
Improve your kindness by exercising your intellect, and improve your intellect by exercising your kindness and love.
My efforts prove valuable because I feel better. Plus, when I do connect with someone, it is even more fulfilling. The responses are frequently pleasant and uplifting. I sugjest reminding yourself that you do not know what all is going on with those around you. Perhaps you can be a bright spot in their day or week. Do you want to pass on such an opportunity, or will you decide determinedly to be the deliberate difference dearly?
Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light.
-Amy Leigh Mercree
You’ll never know how much your caring matters.
Make a difference.
Your kindness does not have to be expensive. In fact, it does not have to cost you much at all except for a bit of your energy. More often than not, the energetic return significantly offsets any output. It can even be something as simple as a smile or a warm greeting in passing. Kindness can be any positive connection shared between you and another being.
Money is but one venue for generosity.
-Alan Cohen
Kindness is an even more valuable currency.
It does not need to be overly involved or time-intensive. Take a few seconds to selflessly spread some comradely or neighborly cheer. You will feel better knowing that you are doing your best, spreading love through kindness to all whom you cross paths with. Our lanes bump up against many others. Will you make those interactions contentious and full of friction, or will you allow the passing of lanes to be freely fluid and lovingly kind?
Unexpected kindness is the most powerful,
-Bob Kerrey
least costly, and
most underrated agent of human change.
You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things that you can’t put a dollar sign on.
-Dolly Parton
How can we improve the world? It is not by repaying unkind acts with more of the same. No, we can work on getting better at turning the other cheek. Do not misunderstand. Defend your lane appropriately, but do not lash back at or attack the lanes of others. There is a difference that takes time to fine-tune. I know how quick I want to counterstrike at times, so this will be good practice for me to reflect on and implement more effectively.
You should respond with kindness toward evil done to you, and you will destroy in an evil person that pleasure which [they] derive from evil.
-Leo Tolstoy
I believe we can make our lanes healthier and wiser. Improvements kindled by kindness can begin to spread like a holy wildfire that burns away any evil darkness and webs of hate and lies. Therein lies a kinder way for our kind to coexist side-by-side for all time.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.