Kindness, meditation and the courage to heal
As per the dictionary definition, kindness is the virtue of showing love and the qualities of having a sympathetic, affectionate, warm-hearted and considerate nature. For many of us, kindness may be simple things like saying please, thank you, excuse me, or I am sorry. It may be offering a helping hand, patiently waiting your turn, returning a phone call or favour, or even cheerfully responding with a smile.
Kindness, as the Greek philosopher Sophocles said, gives birth to kindness. Within each and every human being is a mine of wonderful virtues and qualities, but for so many of us they lie dormant. Seeing, valuing, and using these treasures of virtue is the key to a fulfilled life. By reconnecting with and valuing these parts of ourselves, we are learning to see ourselves in the same way that the Divine does. More than that, we need to share from a genuine heart space all these inner virtues and talents as precious gifts with others, because when we start sharing them, we quickly learn to value ourselves without comparing our contribution to that of others. The Dalai Lama said, ‘My religion is kindness’. If any of us have ever felt a deep sense of satisfaction in showing unconditional kindness to another, then we know what he means. By being kind and compassionate, both to others and, most importantly, to ourselves, we plant kindness in the atmosphere. Donating money is valuable, but limited in the benefit it brings to our hearts and the hearts of others.
By contrast, sharing what is good and true - love, joy and lightness — even with those nearby, allows the feeling that one’s life has value to begin to grow. Kindness is a well of sustenance worth visiting daily, a sanctuary for the heart and a refuge of peace for others, no matter how small the gift.
Until now, time has often taught us to view ourselves harshly. Yet, unlike family, we can choose our teachers. We may listen to the stories of our past, or we may listen to our precious, often-silenced voice and lovingly rekindle the inner sparkle lost through confusion and lack of self-worth. How do we reconnect with what is inside without fleeing to a mountaintop? The answer is simple: meditation. In silence, we gather strength, forgive the pebbles of hurt, express the jewels within, and live honestly with confidence rather than duty, free from sorrow caused by self-limiting behaviour.
Dedicating a few minutes each day to meditation is a meaningful expression of self-care. It helps us move beyond the mire of unworthiness. Meditation enables us to rediscover the self and to create a channel for heart-to-heart communion with the Almighty. It allows the mind to travel to deeper levels and glimpse hidden realities. It turns the heart towards the Divine, establishing a living connection — a spiritual lifeline - and leads to heightened awareness and peace.
In essence, the principal purpose of meditation is to bring the self into conscious contact with the Almighty, making us aware of our divine origin, destiny, and serene nature. This awareness opens wider orbits of being. We realise that we are not merely creatures of circumstance, but also creators within our environment. So begin today — and rediscover yourself.
The writer is a spiritual teacher and popular columnist; views are personal
