My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
The Dalai Lama
Think about how the world would be a better place if we all were just a little bit kinder.
Luckily, he shows us the way to such an ideal through his daily practice of meditation.
Meditation connects us to our innate kindness. Meditation is paying attention to what is happening within and around us, what widens our perspective;
we go to seeing a much bigger picture through compassionate and kind eyes.
We open our heart to ourselves with tenderness, seeing ourselves just as we are, maybe for the first time, opening with a heart as big as the Universe.
In the same way we open to all others, seeing them just as they are, without likes or dislikes prejudicing our view. Out of this arises a natural, impartial kindness.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
The Dalai Lama
1. Become a friend to yourself
Discover a new level of self-acknowledgment and self-friendship.
We are kinder and more accepting of who we are.
2. Think of others equally
As we open to ourselves we become more aware that there is an intricate inter-dependence between all beings.
We see that no one is more important than another.
3. Be forgiving
We can be more tolerant, accepting, caring and forgiving of each other.
As we can forgive ourselves for mistakes, we can forgive others. Perfection is our ability to see and love our (or their) imperfections!
4. Do random acts
Often the greatest act of kindness is that which goes unseen.
A simple smile can sometimes be the greatest gift of all. Practice kindness wherever and however you can.
5. Pick yourself up every time you fall
We are often hard on ourselves, finding fault, criticizing, or feeling embarrassed of perceived mistakes.
Meditation creates an inner strength based on kindness and recieving, that enables us to get up over and over again.
And if we get up just one time more than we fall then we can’t fail!
Please make it fashionable to be compassionate.
The Dalai Lama
Now is the time to make compassion fashionable, to make kindness cool, to make consideration and care hot topics.
Anytime Kindness
Whenever we get stressed we tend to close our hearts toward others. We get a “couldn’t care less” attitude —nothing matters but our own issues.
By developing a more loving and caring attitude, we find more joy and certainly less stress.
Every time you feel rushed, irritated, annoyed or upset, sit quietly and silently repeat:
May I be happy or May I be filled with loving kindness.
If you can do this for one day then follow it the next day with:
May you be well or May you be happy to each person you see or meet.
It’s important not to tell them—just feel it in your heart. You can do this to people in an elevator, at work, in the street or at home.
Silently repeat May you be filled with loving kindness when someone is upset or angry with you,
or when someone is criticizing you. The more you do this, the more you’ll release the hook inside yourself so that anger cannot land.
If a day feels easy, try a whole week. Let friendliness and kindness grow within you.
Make it your goal to become a more loving and kinder person.