The Importance of Kindness
The Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Woven into this quote is great wisdom. The wisdom that reminds us that love, compassion, and most importantly, giving to others is ultimately what results in feelings of personal happiness.
The problem is that the thought of giving, at least for some, leads to a feeling of inner rebelliousness. Some people believe they will be taken advantage of by others. Still, other people refuse to give because they think doing so will mean less is available for them.
While it is true that some selfish people will perceive good intention as a weakness, this is certainly not a universal truth. While it is true that it may appear some resources are limited, this certainly goes against the metaphysical belief that “God/the Universe will always provide.”
Gandhi tells us, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” He meant that all people are responsible for helping to change the world into a better place. Additionally, change always has to start somewhere. Don’t you think you are just as good a person as any to begin the process of creating change in this world?
There is another important reason for giving freely, though. A famous metaphysical law states that there is a reaction to every action. This has been called many things, including the law of cause and effect and the law of karma. It works the same way, though. What we give out comes back to us. Some people think it is an equal exchange, and others believe that what returns is magnified three or even tenfold. Thus, it is crucial for us to give so that we too may, in return, receive at some point.
The great thing is that this works regardless of if we enact it publicly or privately. You can anonymously donate something, and the law still applies. Just remember, each time you give, it comes back. It may not come back right away or even be the exact same thing you gave, but the energy of kindness always brings more compassion into our lives.
Danny Thomas, the founder of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, was an actor, singer, comedian, producer, and philanthropist. One of his most notable quotes is: “All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don’t discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.”
So if you want to feel and even be more successful, be kind and give to others. The more you share, the greater a legacy you create. When you don’t share, people tend to forget you. You may enjoy a life of solitude and even experience a drama-free life, but will you be remembered?
As spiritual beings and light warriors, our goal is to leave a legacy of memories that others can use to improve and get through life’s difficulties. When we work towards this goal, we will not only be remembered, but we will create lasting change in the world that becomes a domino effect of making even more change.
The question now is, how much do you give? Is it possible to give too much? Does giving require money?
The answers are that you give as much as you are capable. You can never give too much. Finally, giving doesn’t have to require any money at all.
We live in a money-obsessed world. There is a constant race to make the next dollar, hoard money away to get the next necessity or luxury, etc. This is reality. It’s a reality that the mass consciousness of the world has created.
However, even though we must live by that fact, it is possible to also live in a reality of our own creation.
Some of the simpler things we can do to bring compassion and kindness into the world include:
- Say something nice to another person.
- Leave someone a kind note.
- Give someone something that you don’t need any longer.
- Spend time with another when you usually wouldn’t.
- Share food that you’re already eating with someone else.
- Be polite to anyone who serves you or the community, even if they are having a rough day.
These simple things do not require any extra money and, in some cases, require no money at all. You will quickly discover that it’s possible to be kind and that doing so won’t break you financially. Additionally, some will no doubt start to return kindness to you too.
In fact, you may be surprised at how out of their way some may go to do something extra for you. All because you took the time to acknowledge them and show them some kindness or generosity.
Mohammed is noted for saying, “A person’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.” So be kind and compassionate, and spread your light and love everywhere you go. It will help change the world around you and your inner world. You will discover that love will return to you and bless you in many unexpected ways.
