Are You Up For a Challenge?

Say It With Kindness - Part I

In 2008, the Gallup poll revealed our choice of the world leader we admired the most. I was not surprised by the result—His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama—but the creators of the poll were. Apparently, this was the very first time that our top choice was someone who was perceived as both a political leader and a religious leader. This made me wonder, what is the common thread woven through each of the roles that this esteemed man plays? The answer came quickly: Kindness.

In fact, the Dalai Lama himself has said this repeatedly,“My religion is kindness.” He has also been quick to add that he believes kindness—along with its cohort, compassion—is at the root of all the world’s spiritual traditions. In fact, even if you do not consider yourself to be a particularly religious person, kindness would likely still form the bedrock of how you relate to others.

Kindness transcends all boundaries and borders; permeates all walls and wounds. Kindness connects us, no matter what we believe, where we live, or how we earn a living. Kindness is the common language we speak as human beings. A smile, a generous gesture, an act of caring transcends all our differences. Kindness is the key to a life well lived. Kindness matters.

Do you consider yourself to be a kind person? 
Do you generally respond well to the people you meet on a day-to-day basis? 
Are you open and receptive, hospitable, especially when others do not seem so kind themselves?

These are important questions to ask ourselves now, especially with the state of world as it is—when communities and families are struggling to maintain equanimity. It is easy to lose focus and move away from kindness. We become self-absorbed, stressed, overwhelmed, worried, or fearful. Our first thought in any number of situations may be, ‘What about me?’

In truth, taking the focus off of ourselves and placing it on the well-being of others can shift our preoccupation—and our own pain. Thinking of another first and how we might enhance his or her day can brighten our own. This is what I understand His Holiness the Dalai Lama vows to do on a moment-to-moment basis. His focus is not upon how he can make himself feel better, but how his presence or words might uplift another. Kindness can be the cure for what ails us.

So how can we be more kind? What can we do to keep our hearts open to one another, to keep the well-being of others in the forefront of our thoughts? Today, I’d like to offer one heart-opening suggestion, and more on Friday:

Notice the “I”
Beginning first thing in the morning, notice what words you speak. How often do your sentences begin with the word “I”? Try and catch yourself doing this. Then try to stop yourself from speaking about you. When we use “I” so often, that’s a tip-off that we are thinking an awful lot about ourselves and, likely, not about others. Set an intention to speak about yourself less often. Minimize the “I” in your vocabulary.

Are you up for a challenge?

For the next 24-hours, notice how many times you say, "I."

Let me know how you do. I'd love to hear ...

And while you're at it, you might like this music video, "What About Me," by Sakyong Mipham.

~~~~~

Photo image courtesy of www.terma.org
Founded in 1993 as the Tibet Child Nutrition Project (TCNP), the Terma Foundation now implements public health programs including nutrition, education, primary and preventive health care, acknowledging traditional belief systems, and integrating low-tech, low-cost western technology where appropriate.

 ~~~~~~

There's still time to register for Sunday's mini-retreat for women.

Please join me!

What: The Seasons of My Soul: Fall Themes

When: Sunday, October 25; 1-4 p.m.

Where: Inn at the Rustic Gate, Big Rapids, MI

Cost: $35, includes treats

RSVP: Call (231) 796-2328 or visit www.innattherusticgate.com

What we'll be doing: Just like the changing seasons, there are seasons to our soul life. There are spiritual Springs, Summers, Autumns and Winters, each rich with unique lessons and opportunities for journeying deeper into the Sacred. As we enter into Fall, let us gather together to explore the invitations of the season: harvest, gratitude, change, letting go, and turning inward. Enjoy an insightful afternoon connecting with kindred spirits through interactive exercises, reflection, quiet time, and journaling. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a journal to write in and a mat/blanket for meditation/relaxation.