Spread a little kindness, it starts with you!

“WHEN WE FEEL LOVE AND KINDNESS TOWARD OTHERS, IT NOT ONLY MAKES OTHERS FEEL LOVED AND CARED FOR, BUT IT HELPS US ALSO TO DEVELOP INNER HAPPINESS AND PEACE.”

~ DALAI LAMA

Today raises awareness of kindness. Kindness is one of those 'softer' skills that is often discussed as a way of feeling good.  Where does kindness start and charity end? 

You may remember the expression 'charity begins at home'. This generally refers to putting your family and yourself in order before serving others. It's a proverb, not a religious statement. Sir Thomas Browne was the first to put the expression into print, inReligio Medici, 1642: "Charity begins at home, is the voice of the world: yet is every man his greatest enemy."

What if we think in our personal lives of others as being 'an enemy' or 'someone to be feared'. What impact on our own ability towards kindness and compassion? What if in being unforgiving to others our ourselves (with our thoughts or behaviours in our 'home'), we become more unhappy and less likely to show compassion to others? What good will come from this? 

As an example, Jay Narayanan (psychologist) spoke about the toll of holding a grudge. He pointed to an experiment showing grudge-holders perceiving a hill as steeper than did people who had been asked to recall a time they’d forgiven someone. It’s as if the grudge is a heavy backpack that people wear, yet they resist forgiving others, because they fear it will make them appear weak and will invite exploitation. On the other hand, he referred to some powerful leaders, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, being admired because they could have retaliated, but chose not to despite the obvious repression they were subjected to. 

Can you forgive one person today? Find that compassion and kindness for yourself, feeling less burdened by hurt, and you may find extra kindness blooms freely in your heart. Creating space for you to make a difference in this world. 

Angie

    

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About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
 

Community stars

Today I announce an extra special award that I believe should go to two friends of mine. I think I will call it the local community award for caring and they each deserve a star.  


Why they should receive this mention is simple. They were out early and enjoying a walk through the local area, as they often do.  On today's journey they came across a confused elderly lady, still in her nightwear.  So, rather than ignore the behaviour of this lady, which others appeared to be doing (whether in car or on foot) they took the time to ASK if she was OK. They took the time to find out why she might be outside in her nightwear. They also did not make her feel foolish, they enjoyed a giggle WITH her not at her expense.  They stayed with her and made sure she was comfortable and safe, until a policewoman turned up to help. 


It might have taken up a small part of their day, it might have seemed a small inconvenience. What they did might have made a big difference to the safety and well-being of someone's mother, someone's grandmother, someone's friend.    


If only there were more community stars out there.  Well done girls, brilliant to hear such a heart-warming tale of kindness and compassion. 

Riding the waves

“If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” Edward Hopper.


Still on the subject of art....I'm now the proud owner of a wonderfully complete set of chalk based pastels. These were given as a gift to me by someone dear and belonged to that person's father. I feel more than privileged to own them and am very touched at the gesture to let me use them. 


Life's been busy the last few weeks and is due to get busier again. I can take the pace and am taking time to meet up with some wonderful people. What I would like to know though is, where is the sun? I think it's been playing hide and seek and forgot to find us. I hope that when I get a few days off, the sun will eventually return and I can look forward to another enjoyable pursuit - photography. 


I found this blog, which showcases some great photography. I like some of the work, especially that of Andrew Brooks. This picture of a boat on a rough sea...beautiful. 

Pablo Picasso cleverly said... 'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls'.  
I hope that posting this helps a few more bits of dust to disappear....