
There is so much in this world that can destabilise us. We only have to look at the news to see countless accounts of suffering. And in our communities, within our social groups, friends, families, our animal comrades – there is no life that is untouched by difficulty at some time. And that goes for each one us as individuals also. We can only hope that when difficulty comes we have the strength, and peace in our hearts, to wait out the storm.
That is why kindness is a practice that shares some much needed compassion. Kindness to others, and kindness to oneself also.
You can practise kindness in the simplest of ways:
- by active listening. 'Active listening is about making a conscious effort to hear and understand someone else. When we actively listen, we demonstrate concern, limit our interruptions, and ask open-ended questions. We commit all our attention to the speaker and establish an environment of trust and judgment-free engagement (Younger, 2023)'
- a kind word. Words are powerful, as are the ways in which we speak. Be mindful of your words and the power they have. Speaking to someone kindly can help them feel better and more connected.
- by expressing gratitude. Saying thank you goes a long way!
- by acts of service. A good deed, a helpful action.
- by the beauty of a smile. Offering a smile immediately opens the heart of another and can brighten someone's day.
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Now look at those points above again and think about how you can apply them to yourself also, by practising self kindness. Listening to yourself and considering what you want in the truth of your heart. Speaking to yourself in kind ways, thanking yourself for all that you are and giving gratitude. Taking a step towards a helpful action for yourself. And looking to yourself with a smile, and visualising your heart, and all your beautiful body and mind smiling.
For those of you living in our lovely West Cornwall, whether in Penzance where I am based at the Penzance Natural Health Centre, or if you are living in surrounding areas such as Newlyn, Mousehole, Gulval, Marazion, Hayle, St Ives, St Just - and any other place nearby - then book in a restorative session with me! Come be nurtured, relax on the therapy couch and enjoy a Reflexology, enjoy deep rest in the Earthing & Balancing treatment, achieve detox and reset with a Reflexology Lymph Drainage, or have a luxuriously organic Ayurvedic Facial.
Autumn, winter, spring, summer – may we all be Well Beings 💚
