“The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”
 Aesop

How many things do we not even attempt because we think we will fail or it won’t make a difference? How many times have we said, “that’s just the way things are and there’s nothing I can do about it”? How have beliefs about ourselves prevented us from trying something new or putting effort into improving ourselves? How many times have we avoided simple acts of kindness simply because we were feeling insecure or uncomfortable?

Aesop’s message contains two very important reminders for us. The first is that the success we have in our lives is limited by our perception of ourselves and what success actually is. The second is that any act of kindness, whether towards ourselves or others, is never wasted. Whatever view or perception we have of ourselves is never fully accurate. We all have untapped abilities, talents, and potentials we are unaware of. We are changing all the time, as is the world we live in. However, we often get stuck in a particular view about ourselves that limits our willingness to challenge and explore new opportunities as they arise, forgetting that we can change and grow.

There is one opportunity available to us at all times that creates conditions for our continued growth and success throughout our lifetimes. It is the opportunity to practice loving-kindness. All of the activities, interactions, and events in our lives provide us with opportunities to practice loving-kindness. When we explore the rich potentials of kindness, we will find they are immeasurable. The motivation of loving-kindness is primarily concerned with the well-being of ourselves and others. It seeks to nurture and support ourselves, others, and the world we live in.

When others treat us with loving-kindness, we feel it and we want to keep those people around. Likewise, many others will naturally feel our loving-kindness and want to keep us engaged in their lives as well. We may never truly know the full impact of a small act of kindness, such as a smile or a helping hand, but we do know that acts of kindness are never wasted. Though not always apparent on the outside, acts of kindness provide the nourishment for us to all live together in healthy and meaningful ways.

I invite you to explore moments when you are hesitant to take advantage of opportunities for loving-kindness. What limits you from bringing loving-kindness into your actions and interactions? See if you can take full advantage of the opportunities you have to bring kindness into your day, both for yourself and others. – John Bruna

The above is a an excerpt from one the daily emails sent to the members of the Mindful Life Community.  I invite you to explore our community and consider joining.

Copyright © 2017 John Bruna. All rights reserved.