Be
Kind
“There
is a kindness that dwells deep down in things; it presides everywhere, often in
places we least expect. The world can be harsh and negative, but if we remain
generous and patient, kindness inevitably reveals itself. Something deep in the
human soul seems to depend on the presence of kindness; something instinctive in
us expects it, and once we sense it, we are able to trust and open ourselves.”
John
O’Donohue (To Bless the Space Between Us)
This
quote from John O’Donohue was posted on Facebook yesterday. I think it serves
as a reminder of what this season of holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) is
all about. The image the quote congers in my head is the iconic photo taken in
1969, during the Vietnam war protest, March on Washington, of a young woman sticking
a flower into the barrel of a National Guardsman’s gun. Even in the face of
enormous anger and division, we expect, and get, kindness and civility. Protest
is a constitutional right in democracies, and even when we are as polarized as
we are right now, there is the possibility to respect one another.
I have
participated in many protest marches in my life. Never once did they erupt into
violence; in fact, they were universally jovial and fun. We are blessed to live
in a country where we are can peacefully protest. But protests, in order to be
acceptable and productive, must also be civil. What we witnessed in the news
over the weekend, with people being beaten and stabbed, and black churches
being desecrated is not protest. It is simply blatant violence.
Kindness
is essential to living in a democracy. It is also essential to health. To exist
in a perpetual state of anger and negativity is to surrender to a shorter, more
miserable life. In a few weeks, we will turn a new year; a new decade will
begin with new leadership. Let us now turn our attention away from our
differences, and together, address the needs of our citizens. And, most of all,
let’s remember what it feels like to be treated with kindness and respect. Regardless
of whether your candidate won or lost, resolve to be kind. Your soul and the
soul of America depends on it.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
1 comment:
I knew a policeman in Washington state who died after a battle with cancer. At his funeral, cards with this quote were given out: "Be kinder than necessary for you never know the battles another is fighting ". His family said that he always carried this on his person. It feels good to be kind. Thank you, Jane, for sharing your wisdom and kindness.
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