I came across a post in my instagram feed mentioning “What’s the kindest thing you’ve done?” Such a simple question, yet it sparked a whirlwind of thoughts in my mind. What is kindness, really? When someone performs a nice act and considers themselves kind, is it truly kindness? Is real kindness even something we can measure or brag about?
The more I pondered, the more I realised how deeply personal and situational kindness can be. There’s no universal yardstick for it.
Not sure if kindness(considered) but consciously I’ve been trying to be nicer to people – greeting them with a warm smile, being non judgmental, trying to see the world through their eyes. I’ve learned to truly listen, to respond rather than react, to make others feel heard and understood. Over time, this mindfulness has become more natural.
But here’s the thought that really struck me: What if kindness isn’t something extra we do, but the very essence of existence? Look at the world around us – the intricate tunes of ecosystems, the way all living things coexist and interact. Everything in nature shares, accommodates, and adapts. There’s a constant give and take that sustains life in all its forms.
Maybe what we call kindness is simply our way of reconnecting with this fundamental truth. We humans often see ourselves as separate from nature, and thus view acts of kindness as something special. But what if kindness is our natural state, our birthright as living beings on this planet?
This perspective invites us to see kindness not as a lofty ideal, but as the very ground of our being. It’s about aligning ourselves with the deeper rhythms of life, recognizing our interconnectedness, and allowing that awareness to guide our actions.
What do you think? Does this strike a chord with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on kindness – the big acts, the small ones, and everything in between.