Awaken Kindness - Be Friendly, Generous, and Considerate

In this hectic world, it's easy to lose sight of what matters. We can get so focused on our daily routines and stresses that we forget what it truly means to live. However, it is possible to "wake up" to the things that enter your experience rather than ignore them and go to sleep. In fact, we can use everything to learn what's essential to living with joy and fulfillment. But how do we do that?

One way is to embrace kindness toward ourselves and everyone else we encounter. That means being friendly, generous, and considerate no matter what happens in your life. In doing so, you create an environment of openness and curiosity. When you are kind to others, they are likelier to be kind to you, creating a cycle of positivity and joy. When you are kind and gentle with yourself (rather than harsh and critical), you experience more peace and tranquility.

Embracing kindness means having patience for everything and everyone. Approaching each interaction with loving kindness changes how you see the world. You can better understand others' perspectives and pain, making you more compassionate and patient. Likewise, when you are patient with yourself and accept your mistakes as learning opportunities, you can grow and improve more healthily and sustainably. Patience allows for growth without the pressure to be perfect.

Living with kindness also means looking for gifts in difficult circumstances and with challenging people. When you face tough situations, it is easy to feel discouraged, defeated, and disheartened. However, when you approach these situations with a kind heart and a positive attitude, you will find that there is always a gift. You learn to look for the good in people, even those who are challenging to be with. This practice not only benefits others but also allows you to grow and find joy in unexpected places.

Kindness also extends beyond just our interactions with others. It involves taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. Practicing self-care means prioritizing our well-being, whether it's through exercise, healthy eating, taking breaks, or seeking professional help when needed. By being kind to ourselves and setting boundaries, we can avoid burnout and better serve those around us.

Being kind to yourself and others makes you more open to new experiences and opportunities. Life is full of lessons, some of which can be painful. However, learning from those lessons builds resilience. By approaching life's circumstances with an open mind and heart, you can let each experience teach you the lessons you need to learn, allowing possibilities and potential to emerge.

In addition, kindness brings people together. When we show compassion and understanding towards others, we form connections and build relationships that can last a lifetime. It allows us to see beyond differences and find common ground with those around us. By spreading kindness, we create a ripple effect that impacts individuals and entire communities.

Finally, kindness is contagious. When someone receives an act of kindness, they are more likely to pay it forward to others. This creates a cycle of positivity and generosity that can make the world a better place for everyone.

Kindness is a powerful force that not only benefits others but also ourselves. It allows us to see the good in people and situations, take care of ourselves, and create a more connected and compassionate world.

So go out there, spread kindness, and positively impact your world. Remember that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

David Langiulli?is an Executive Coach, Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner, and Author. This essay is an excerpt from his forthcoming book,?Bringing the Human Back into Being.