PHOTO: JULIA MARGARET CAMERON
“There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things; it presides everywhere, often in the 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 instictive in us expects it, and once we sense it we are able to trust and open ourselves…
“The word kindness has a gentle sound that seems to echo compassionate goodness. When someone is kind to you, you feel understood and seen. There is no judgement or harsh perception directed towards you.
“Kindness has gracious eyes; it is not small-minded or competitive; it wants nothing back from itself. Kindness strikes a resonance with the depths of your own heart; it also suggests that your vulnerability, though somehow exposed, is not taken advantage of; rather, it has become an occasion for dignity and empathy…
“Despite all the darkness, human hope is based on the instinct that at the deepest level of reality some intimate kindness holds sway. This is the heart of blessing. To believe in blessing is to believe that our being here, our very presence in the world, is itself the first gift, the primal blessing.”
~John O’ Donohue from To Bless the Space Between Us
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11 comments
Julie says:
Jul 10, 2013
This is beautiful. THank you.
mm says:
Jul 10, 2013
Thank you ;)
Claire says:
Jul 10, 2013
Wow! Kindness is magic :)
Elena Brower says:
Jul 11, 2013
Crazy. Been reading from the same chapter in Germany all week… Love you Mamma
D says:
Jul 13, 2013
I love John O’Donahue. I read him in all my yoga classes. It’s amazing! :)
arvind says:
Jul 15, 2013
Beautiful!The moment we become Aware of ourselves,we become Aware of Him and HE is Kindness,Truth,Love and Compassion personified.We are His so we must all be having it within,His Grace will Reveal.
Gisele says:
Jul 25, 2013
The Presence of Grace! :)))
Milisa says:
Feb 20, 2014
Thank you – I needed that!
Calin says:
Feb 20, 2014
Love this. Your blog is such a necessary reminder of everything fundamental.
Ra.Z-el says:
Oct 25, 2015
We treat the other with kindness when we feel love in our heart, but also as we recognize the other as “another myself.” The Hindus say “Namaste” which is an acknowledgment that yours and my spiritual essence (or heart) are one. The ancient Mayans said, “In Lak’ech — which means, “I am another yourself.” This integral awareness engenders enduring kindness.
Access Consciousness says:
May 9, 2018
Nice Information