Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes. It's not just the giving of material things, but more so it is the giving of some of one's heart.
I can never pay back the kindness to the Universe that has been shown to me by others. I can try, but I don't know that I'll ever come close.
In any event, kindness shouldn't be shown just to keep things even; Kindness should be shown because it's something we want to do and because it's natural for us to do so.
"What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?"
~Jean-Jacques Rousseau
11 comments:
Your post sounds a lot like one a lady I knew in Austin might have made who was into the Real Love movement. Its premise is that no love is true unless it's real love; that is, love given without any expectation of something in return. She was so into it so I'm sure it's still quite important to her.
donstockbauer aatt hotmail.com
I agree with what you are saying, wholeheartedly!
Uncondtional love, Don, is the best!
I like romantic love (eros), I think we all do, but I like Platonic love (philos) even more, and then there is the gold at the end of the rainbow, which is Agape.
Eros has a tendency to cause us to be selfish, and even Philos is not completely unconditional. It's agape that is unconditional, and I think that God would be the only one capable of loving me or others in that way, although I admit it would be nice to be loved by a human with agape.
Jim,
That's very kind of you. ;)
Yes, I think you raise a good point about keeping score. Giving kindness is about sincere giving of the heart, not a duty to pay back.
I would add too it is important to remind ourselves to receive kindness. Sometimes living in a hard world can make it seem more normal to be on the receiving end of unkindness, or harshness, so much so that it becomes difficult or uncomfortable to receive. In receiving as well as giving I think the end result is growth. This way, a giver is less likely to find themselves blowing a fuse from the giving, becoming depleted rather than replenished.
My wife has been going to Catholic retreats and has mentioned a sort of Last Supper meal they serve, called the Agape. Now it makes more sense.
donstockbauer aatt hotmail.com
Moss,
:o) (o:
Serenity,
Opening oneself up to receiving kindness helps to make the world seem less harsh.
lol
hey i've just started my own blog for the project i mentioned in my last email, if you want to know a little more about the idea, have a quick look through the blogs at
mycelial-docomo.gaia.com/blog
i think the gaia blog site would appeal to you because of it's intentions, it might be another good place for you to share your thoughts, dreams and ideas.
Hi Mex,
I'm sorry I haven't been keeping in touch. I hope you'll forgive me. I know I still need to send a response regarding your art network project.
I read about your synchronicity on your Gaia blog. Keep an eye open, because they're around!
I actually have a Gaia blog but I haven't been keeping up with it. I've been using Blogger for more than four years and it feels like home to me. Any other place seems strange and unfamiliar. And, all my friends are here. But thank you for your input, it is greatly appreciated.
I've stayed up late tonight, it is now 2:20am so I better hit the hay. Please stay in touch. I'll try to do better!
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