The song "Be kinder" is becoming more and more popular. Is the idea itself becoming more popular - to change for the better? Yes, people want to become better, but, alas, many are not looking for kindness at all. Maybe it's all about a vague understanding of the very word "kindness"? Why has it become less prestigious to be kinder?
About the meaning of the suffix
People confuse two concepts: kind and kind. We will talk about the first a little later, and now about the second. The pejorative suffix indicates that kindness is not real. Good ones also come in several varieties. Firstly, weak spineless people who simply cannot refuse or punish (you have seen such school teachers). Secondly, these are lazy people who cannot scold a subordinate, because they don’t care, it’s easier for them to smile and not bother their heads. Thirdly, these are hypocritical villains who, for the sake of profit, pretend to be kind. The last category is the most unpleasant and dangerous.
Kindness of the Strong
Being kinder doesn't mean being weaker. Only a strong person can afford sympathy, warmth and tenderness. Namely, these manifestations make a person kind. And when it comes to a strong person, you understand that his kindness is not from self-interest and not from spinelessness. Being kinder means being willing to give without expectation of reciprocity. Truly kind people are respected and loved. Reminds me of Melanie from Gone with the Wind. Behind the dim appearance and tenderness was an unshakably strong personality, this was especially noticeable when it came to moral values.
Start with yourself
The Bible requires us to love others as we love ourselves. Start by loving yourself. This does not mean at all that you can “turn off” self-control and lower the bar for yourself. This means that you must separate the emotional and intellectual self. So many people say that they want to be "kicked" to the point. They really just want feedback. Many people agree to be treated unkindly only because it is difficult to get other attention. And an unkind attitude inflicts injuries on the thickest skinned. Imagine that you have a best friend who makes mistakes. Well, that best friend is you. Regardless of circumstances and mistakes, you need a warm emotional attitude and support. Being kind to yourself is hard, but that's where the path to kindness begins.
If faith doesn't scare you
You may need the support of people who also want to be kind. In this situation, contact the believers of the denomination to which you belong. ATany traditional religion has mercy and kindness in the price, find sincerely believing people among your friends - and learn. Usually, for a believer, kindness comes from being attentive to oneself and understanding what is happening in the soul. This is worth learning, perhaps, reading the fundamental works of the Holy Fathers, for example, "The Philokalia" or "The Ladder".
Even if you do not feel a natural talent for kindness in yourself, you can learn to be kinder. Just try to look for the good in yourself and people - and enjoy it. What begins in our mind necessarily continues in reality. And this is not a "secret", but the truth mentioned in the Bible. Kind people do indeed live happier lives.
