Human kind

Be Kind. What does that even mean? I saw a “Be Kind” sign on a telephone pole this morning, and it got me thinking.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For most of my life I’ve thought being kind is doing things for someone that they would like. Surprise them with something nice, do a chore for them, say yes to a favor, and never hurt their feelings.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sometimes this “kindness” leaves me feeling great, and sometimes I feel depleted and resentful, but still in knew I was doing the right thing, so I’d keep on keeping on. The world had taught me this is what you do to get along with others. Be Kind.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Dalai Lama says kindness is his religion, so there must be something to this idea of kindness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But I feel being kind kind-of sucks. Should I keep doing something that hurts me in order to help someone else? That doesn’t sound too Dalai-Lama-ish. So I’m starting to think of kindness in a new and bigger way.

♡ Maybe it’s kinder to surprise someone only when I feel a bubbling excitement to do it

♡ Maybe it’s kinder to do a chore for someone only when I feel a spark of generosity

♡ Maybe it’s kinder to say yes to a favor only when I feel an expansiveness inside

♡ Maybe it’s kinder to “hurt their feelings” when I am following my deepest knowing

Maybe the kindest thing of all is to be myself and let others be themselves. In all their glory and innocence and striving.⠀And even in their anger and disappointment in me. Maybe especially then.