The idea of kindness is one that has been on my mind the past couple of days. Being kind to others. Being kind to myself. Having kind thoughts. Being kind in my actions.

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Everyone is fighting their own battles and dealing with their own stuff. There are good days and bad days, easy times and hard times. One constant action that we can take is to remember kindness no matter the circumstances. It’s so easy to beat yourself up for things you did or did not do and to judge others for their actions but remembering that people are inherently good and are generally doing the best that they can do is one step towards cultivating an attitude of kindness. I was having a bad morning on Saturday when I was shown compassion in a way that I didn’t even deserve. It completely turned my mindset around.

The Dalai Lama said, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Adhering to this mentality can be powerful and touch people in ways that you didn’t even know mattered. How many times have you had a crappy day and one small break, one kind action snaps you out of your funk? The person who showed you that kindness probably never even knew how much they helped you. Do that for others.

I read this passage to my yoga class this morning.

“Life just goes around and around, up and down like a waterwheel; our lives are like its buckets, being emptied and refilled again and again. Like the potter’s clay, our physical existences are fashioned into one form after another: the shapes are broken and reformed again and again, the low wall will be high, and the high fall down; the dark will grow light, and the rich lose all…

So be kind to one and all and don’t be biased, based upon illusions regarding gain and loss. Have neither hope nor fear, expectation nor anxiety; give thanks for everything, whatever your lot may be. Accept everything; accept everyone; and follow The Buddha’s infallible Law. Be simple and carefree, remaining naturally at ease and in peace.” – source

I encouraged them to commit to kindness this week. Remembering kindness when kindness isn’t easy. Knowing that it will lift them up as well as those around them.

And with that I am off to spend my afternoon on my own mat…setting my intention for my practice to be kindness.