Kindness as a Spiritual Practice

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PRACTICE

Kindness as a Spiritual Practice

52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice
By Deborah Williams

The purpose of the 52 Principles is to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles is God-realization through daily practice. Practice the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own efforts. With practice, you will begin to encounter your experiences in a spiritual context as you begin to practice and master spiritual principles. This week’s spiritual principle is Kindness.

Kindness is living in the physical world and intentionally creating peace. Kindness is a behavior that is intended to benefit others. Kindness is a moral and humane way to live. Kindness is manifested by our everyday interactions with others. We demonstrate kindness by how we intentionally treat the people we know (family, friends and co-workers) and the strangers we do not know. Kindness is walking in love. We are given ample opportunities to exhibit kindness towards others. There is no greater act than kindness because kindness encompasses love, selflessness, compassion, forgiveness, generosity, gratitude, humility, service, patience, and mindfulness. Being kind to ourselves is a prerequisite to being kind to others. You cannot be authentically kind if your cup is not overflowing.                                                                                                                                                                             

We are encouraged to show God’s grace and mercy by demonstrating kindness. Regard others as valuable and overlook others when they are discourteous. See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody (1 Thessalonians 5:15). People who hurt others are hurting and may not be aware of their inconsiderate acts. Have compassion for others because you never know what they may be going through. Return kindness to those who cause conflict and confusion. If your actions do not create peace, it is not the right action. Stevie Wonder’s song “Love’s in Need of Love Today” is apropos: 

Love’s in need of love today,

Don’t delay, send yours in right away.
Hates going round, breaking many hearts
Stop it please before it’s gone too far.

Kindness increases our positive social interactions with others.  We might think that people mistake our kindness as weakness. Not so, your kindness is something you give freely. Do good to those who are not kind and notice the good that others do. Instead of focusing on their imperfections, bless those who are unkind. But I tell you, love those who hate you. Respect and give thanks for those who say bad things to you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who do bad things to you and who make it hard for you (Matthew 5:44).

Choose not to be offended when others are unkind. Be the better person. Practice forgiveness and peace will come. Your kindness will not go unnoticed and will be rewarded in due season. You will receive Blessings on Blessings for your acts of kindness when you move toward unity and peace. Continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults. (1 Peter 4:8). If possible, work at communicating your grievances. Your unwillingness to communicate causes additional conflict, dividing and separating you from others. The ego thrives on separation. A higher awareness always promotes peace and you cannot reach peace with the ego. When you have an option of being right or being kind, choose kindness; being right is over-rated when it results in alienating others. The goal is to create and maintain peace through kindness.

Self-Assessment: 

What do I need to be kind to others?

Do I resist communicating with others?
How do I measure kindness?
What am I sending out to others in my thoughts and deeds?
Do my thoughts and actions promote peace or conflict?
Are others happy to be in my presence?
What keeps me from being kind to self and others?
How am I proactive in being kind to others?
Can I do more?

Kindness Practices:

Commit to a Day of Kindness; five or more acts of kindness per day. Or pledge at least one act of kindness for the next 30 days. Kindness begets kindness. Kindness is contagious, pay it forward.

 Put money into an expired parking meter.

In a 24 hour time span, smile and greet everyone you encounter.

When standing in line at the grocery store, allow someone to go before you.

Give someone room to have a bad day by offering words of encouragement.

Volunteer to read books at a daycare for children or adults.

Donate books to a local library.

Bring gifts (flower, card, food item, love, peace, etc.) when visiting friends and relatives.

Package food provisions for a homeless person and carry it with you in your car (bottled water, apple, nuts, crackers, etc.).

Send flowers to uplift someone’s day.

Bring gifts to a nursing home for residents to enjoy.

Leave an inspirational book on the seat in a public place (bus, train, doctor’s office) with a note stating “Enjoy, pass it on”.

Post an inspiring story on a bulletin board for others to read.

Donate items to an animal shelter (blankets, cat litter, etc.).

Create your own canned goods food drive.

Anonymously send an item that you know is needed by someone you know.

Help plant/organize a community garden.

Write a letter of encouragement to someone who is incarcerated.

Plant flowers to beautify a neighborhood.

Donate a coat to a winter coat drive.

Donate infant clothing to a women’s shelter.

Tape money to a vending machine with a note stating,” Short on Change?”

Pick up a restaurant tab for someone you do not know.

Do someone else’s dishes.

Hold the door open for a stranger.

Donate blood.

Visit a sick relative.

Help prepare meals for a program like Meals-on-Wheels.

Send a care package to someone in service overseas.

Leave a toy on a door step for a child.

Donate school and art supplies to a community center.

The litmus test of kindness is peace. Pay attention to the acts of kindness that are most fulfilling and follow that energy. It may be an indication of your calling and how to practice your gift. God gives us new strength and guides us in the right paths, as He promised (Psalm 23:3). Return to kindness, goodness, and God-ness. Give without expectation, silently bless others, and look for the passion in your giving. Own your own goodness and kindness and make the difference in someone’s day through practice.

What are your acts of kindness practiced daily, weekly, and monthly?  Develop your own spiritual practice.

Peace and Much Blessings