Missing Link

You know - it doesn't matter how many good qualities you have, how amazing you can do things, how good you are at this or that, how awesome things turn out because you have plied your energy to them - if you can't do what you do in life with kindness and compassion, nothing matters. Doing amazing feats means nothing compared to greatness and greatness embodies humility, kindness, and compassion.

Really! Kindness is the missing link with modern day great wannabes. And kindness requires that you recognize that the other person is you. Kindness requires that you step outside of you-you-you and acknowledge the other person. Kindness requires that you get over yourself enough to actually see the other person.

Your problems, struggles, life, etc have nothing to do with anyone else - why should you take them out on people? Likewise your ambition, your amazing feats have nothing to do with anyone else - why step on pedestals at all? The universe does not revolve around you, in fact, you are here to serve. The difference between greatness and mediocrity is the humility that comes with service; one is in service to others (humble), the other in service to self (ego). One is kind (humble), the other mean (ego).

Kindness is the missing link and kindness can be cultivated easily and at no cost...
- look at someone and see them, not their clothes, body size, paycheck
- listen, listen, listen until you stop speaking in your mind for someone and start hearing their voice, their story
- recognize that the other person is you
- think about what life is like for another person (walk a mile in their shoes)
- never make assumptions
- give up all forms of judgment

This week I invite you to practice kindness - there can never be too much of it. And if you, yourself, are not lacking in kindness, there are surely those around you who are and need your example.

Blessings and love.
- Darshan






© 2010 Darshan F Jessop