The Kindness of Others

I am going through something unpleasant at the moment.  I am trying to open a door that won’t open or at least it will open a little just in order for it to get some air into the room beyond and then slams shut in my face with a muffled, contemptuous laugh. 

Here’s something that I have been pondering on from the meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn

It is a worthy meditation to reflect on how much we may owe our own lives and well-being to the

kindness of others in so many different ways… from our parents and our children to our teachers

and friends, lovers and spouses, and even people we don’t know. It is a sobering reminder of our

 interconnectedness, and how inaccurate it usually is to think that it is all our own doing. It may

sometimes seem that way, but a second look might reveal some of the many ways, both little and

big, sometimes even in the briefest of moments, in which the good will and kindness of others, even

total strangers, helps our days unfold with greater joy and ease. How can we possible repay them?

I would say that we can only do it by expressing our gratitude with as much mindfulness and

heartfulness as possible. And beyond that, by remembering to offer the same gift of a little

kindness and good will to others in our turn. It costs nothing, but its value is immense. Each

gesture to extend kindness to others ensures that the overall “supply” is continually replenished,

and with it, our own hearts. Although, when it comes right down to it, I suspect the “supply” of

kindheartedness in the world and in ourselves, is actually limitless.

This is what I believe.