Kindness
It is still a call for unconditional appreciation for our true intelligence, resilience, and compassion for what we have achieved as a species in this world.
Millions of years ago, we were just living in caves and now we have our hands on the entire universe, it’s amazing to all of us, isn’t it?
In these difficult times of intense rivalry, hostility, and unwanted intimidation from powerful regions, the world is feeling the need to deal with the decline of human values and morality.
Kindness is a quality that we are deliberately ignoring while choosing for our development.
Kindness is a virtue by which we have to help each other rather than the other way around.
Kindness is a virtue that brought us to where we are today, but it is now forgotten.
Kindness is not about compiling an act as if there are no other options, it is about being willingly present when someone needs it.
Kindness doesn’t mean allowing untoward moments and pretending to solve the same problem.
Kindness does not mean donating your belongings to charity. It means being available to the needy from our conscience.
Kindness is not amassing wealth and then using a little bit for charity.
Kindness does not mean grabbing a share of others’ profits and then giving it back to them as a relief fund.
Kindness is not always about altruism. A simple act of being present in someone’s time of need is sometimes enough to console them. This is also kindness.
The Art of Kindness
In what sense can helping someone after troubling them unnecessarily be considered kindness?
Imposing unnecessary war on another’s territory and giving them economic aid is not the definition of kindness.
Taking the land of the poor in developmental processes, forcing them to give up their property, and giving them some economic assistance is not kindness.
Some types of freebies can help revive the economy; however, kindness is not one of them. It should be seen as a measure that a people-friendly government must take to improve the lifestyle of its citizens.
The nationalization of vital industries is a crucial step for improving the economy, which in turn enhances the lives of citizens. This embodies the kindness we expect from any government.
We expect the same kindness from those in power or who serve society, such as doctors, engineers, bankers, the press, and administrative officers.
Incorporating Kindness into Everyday Life
Defining kindness is not as easy as it seems.
In a time of sexual, racial, religious, and gender abuse as well as a deliberate violation of difference and inner boundaries, where do we stand in terms of the most basic human morality, i.e. kindness?
This is a valid inquiry that anyone might pose regardless of the circumstances, and the response to this question is likely to be a negative one.
In today’s most polluted environment, we expect kindness and other humane behavior from the other party without considering ourselves.
Generally, we use the term pollution to refer to our basic requirements, such as water, air, food, and our ecosystem.
But, seeing the corrupt conduct of all, this perception has to be changed and with time we are forgetting that our future is secure only when we respect our inclusivity.
With time, not only our lifestyle has changed but many beliefs have also changed and many definitions of life have also changed.
Although we still belong to the same race, the negative aspects are dominating our minds, thus affecting everything around us.
So basically while we are evolving as a great race, we are forgetting that by our inhuman behavior towards each other, we are becoming a threat not to ourselves but to the entire universe.
Exploring the impact of Kindness
New-age kindness is totally different from what we have definitions in our certified dictionaries.
Kindness now-a-days are-
- Doing charity works and resist posting the same on social media platforms.
- Patiently attending grievances of others instead of being judgemental.
- Taking care of old-aged parents.
- Treating everyone with humility.
- Following general rules to maintain the sanctity of the environment.
- Respecting the natural habitats.
- Respecting the co-existence of all irrespective of gender, religion, caste, creed, and region.
- Giving due respect to elders.
- Respecting the food we are offered.
- Respecting other religions and cultures without qualms.
- Being socially active doesn’t mean that we have to share on social media whatever good we are doing for others.
- Belittling the people who are not in your leagues should be avoided.
- Not interfering in someone’s personal life is also generosity.
Transformative use of Kindness by an elected government
The nationalization of essential industries has a crucial role in enhancing the overall economy, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for citizens. By bringing key sectors under public ownership, governments can ensure that resources are allocated more equitably and that the requirements of the citizens are prioritized. This approach not only brings economic stability. It also reflects the compassion and responsibility we expect from our leaders. A government that prioritizes the national interest and works for the common good demonstrates a commitment to social welfare and the well-being of its citizens.
Citizens have every right to be heard by their elected government, regardless of political preferences.
The need of the hour is that the government should work with the honest objective of welfare of its legitimate citizens, that is how a nation prospers.
There is a great need for uniformity in a country when there is always a threat of proxy war with powerful people.
Kindness: From where to start?
“ Charity begins at home”.
Charity starts with us as individuals. This is a principle that many of us have encountered in books, articles, and conversations, and most of us genuinely believe in its importance. However, it’s easy to overlook this truth. We often get caught up in our daily routines and responsibilities, which can lead us to forget that before we can effectively help others, we must first cultivate kindness, compassion, and generosity within ourselves. By prioritizing our well-being and fostering a charitable mindset, we become better equipped to extend our support to those in need.
It means nothing if we can’t think for ourselves. No one will do this for us, it is completely our responsibility to take care of ourselves, otherwise, we will always be in trouble.
Kindness is already putting yourself first.
Conclusion
It is better to say ‘no’ than to suffer in silence.
It is better to consider yourself above others, your mental, physical, and financial well-being is of utmost importance and only then will you be able to be kind to others too.
On the celebration of the current year’s ‘World Kindness Day, November 13, 2024’, we are looking forward to all of us showing more of our humanitarian side to the world.