What about loving-kindness?

Lots of us are feeling LOTS of emotions these days.  Anxious, frustrated, isolated, scared, worried.  ALL. THE. FEELS.

But what about loving-kindness?

It’s much easier to respond to crisis with loving kindness when the crisis is happening to OTHER people. A tornado in another part of the country, an earthquake or tsunami in another part of the world.  In those instances, we can look at the hardship from a distance… make a contribution and share an Instagram post of solidarity. All the usual ways we share empathy and compassion…

 Until now.

The uniqueness of this crisis is that it affecting ALL of us, and that means it will require a different kind of loving-kindness. A kindness that makes us dig deep and recognize what kind of person we want to be in the world. With so many people teetering on the brink, we must find ways to be heartfelt in our small acts of generosity… even amidst our own adversity.

All of us.

As the Dalai Lama said: “Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.”

So this weekend, lets all take a moment to ask ourselves how next week we might be just a little more kind.  It will make a world of difference.

A few optimistic thoughts for the weekend:

  • “Kindness need not be delivered like a Broadway production, with ample fanfare and attention drawn to the initiator. It can be done on the down-low, respond to the needs of those around us and be quietly delivered.” Check out this great read about quiet kindness and how you can make a difference without making a lot of noise about it. (via The Conversation)

  •  Want some inspiration of how to help? Check out these stories about some hometown heroes that are stepping up one-by-one transforming their kindness into action. (via CNN)

  • Need a little help shifting your mindset from anxiety to a practice of loving-kindness? Check out these tips on how to do it. (via Lion’s Roar)

  •  Want to craft a bit of kindness this weekend from home? Jo-Ann craft stores (all 860 locations)  are giving away free kits for crafters to make face masks and gowns that can be used by local medical providers. (via Fox News)

  •  Kindness doesn’t need to be a solitary act, it can also be a group effort.  Our friends at Stand Together and Family Independence Initiative have launched the #GiveTogetherNow campaign to help provide direct aid to families being impacted by the current crisis.  You can help support the campaign here.  

Seth Cohen