Kindness

[sabrinamari]

Be kind whenever possible - It is always possible.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

******

This is my goal, but I often struggle with this, especially when I am very angry.

Comments

[vgnwtch.livejournal.com]

Holy shit - you're... you're human???

[quiet-wyatt72.livejournal.com]

And, as I think the 14th reincarnation of Avalokitesvara might himself say: for humans it is not always immediately clear or apparent what the term "kindness" might mean in each moment.

What seems kind from the perspective of a single limited lifetime may not be when seen from the parallax of multiple, cosmic lifetimes. The reverse may also be true.

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

We also have to remember to be kind to ourselves----we often forget that as we try to be kind to others. Anger is an opportunity to be kind to yourself----and to seek some solace, solitude, resolution---inward-directed kindness. Then, outward-directed kindness is not forced, but is natural and real.

[flamespirit.livejournal.com]

Not sure if I've read your reply correctly, but I don't think that indulging in anger is being kind to ourselves. Anger can be a reminder that we need to BE KIND to ourselves, but it is not BEING kind to ourselves. Am I making any sense? I certainly agree that it's a reminder to be kind to ourselves. And I love looking at it in that way. Thanks :-)

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

I definitely mean that we should see anger as a reminder to be kind to ourselves---not wallowing in the anger, but to seek the solace and rest that is needed to put the anger aside, restoring balance. Anger has it's place----but only for so long and only going so far. Then, it just wounds the psyche and the soul. And that's certainly not being kind to ourselves! :)

[flamespirit.livejournal.com]

Agree totally!

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

:)

I think I know who you are----Brian's SO? May I friend you?

[flamespirit.livejournal.com]

:-)) I am indeed. I'd be honoured to be friended by you. Just added you too.

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

The honor and pleasure is mine---thank you!

Fear and kindness

[tracyandrook.livejournal.com]

I found that by and large anger is fear that is not allowed to be felt. Rook and I couldn't think of a counterexample, but I'm sure somebody else can.

I'm a weak person, I admit it, but I still find kindness a correct goal. I'm attempting to set it up so that I have to be kind or lose my job. It's not the same as pure altruism, but it is arranging my environment to further my own ideals.

Unfortunately there is the risk that at some point I will forget to be kind and I will indeed lose my job.