I crochet for charity and pray over the items I made in hopes that the person receiving the shawl, scarf or hat will be warmed by God’s compassionate heart.
when I am among my friends, among people I love,I have no doubts: it is easy to pay kindness forward because gratitude permeates my own life, and the time to show my gratitude is the life itself, with smiles, greetings, meetings, something done together, sharing our issues and our joys.
Lately I had some issues with people whose pleasantness is beyond any doubt, but who tends to be intrusive, whose kindness is simple, but a few binding, as an effect of their intrusiveness. I am not sure I wil...
when I am among my friends, among people I love,I have no doubts: it is easy to pay kindness forward because gratitude permeates my own life, and the time to show my gratitude is the life itself, with smiles, greetings, meetings, something done together, sharing our issues and our joys.
Lately I had some issues with people whose pleasantness is beyond any doubt, but who tends to be intrusive, whose kindness is simple, but a few binding, as an effect of their intrusiveness. I am not sure I will pay this special kindness in the same way, as I don’t want to be like them. I can learn something about their simple way to share friendship, but I am less extroverted. With KC and Gina I believe that lovingkindness is the best way to live in a community, not forgetting inside freedom and a bit of wise perspicacy.
I used to be a very kind person. always looking for ways to help or bless other. Life kinda sucked that out of me over the last decade. I became a doormat to bad people due to my altruistic kindness..gave far too much of myself and my resources. I am trying to learn again to be kind but with healthy boundaries. I'm very careful about who I am kind to now. I prefer to be kind to distant strangers through charities than helping them up close and personal (which is how I've been hurt in the past). ...
I used to be a very kind person. always looking for ways to help or bless other. Life kinda sucked that out of me over the last decade. I became a doormat to bad people due to my altruistic kindness..gave far too much of myself and my resources. I am trying to learn again to be kind but with healthy boundaries. I’m very careful about who I am kind to now. I prefer to be kind to distant strangers through charities than helping them up close and personal (which is how I’ve been hurt in the past). Trying to find that balance. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get back to being as kind and giving as I was. Paying it forward seems to have some healthy detachment though…I see that is doing good to a stranger in close proximity..without really having a personal connection with them. That may be a good answer for keeping my kindness closer to home.
Through lovingkindness practice. In silence or any language. By saying no to the huge guilt and pressure that I feel from a question like this, and expressing a true gesture from the heart. By keeping it simple. Practice.
May I be filled with loving kindness, held in loving kindness, see loving kindness as my essence…..then it will permeate to all living entities on earth…that is the quest !
I have to say that for me there is a real and satisfying validity in the concept of paying kindness forward. To use a rather trite example – if someone lets me into their lane when I am driving, it makes me want to do that for someone else. I think it’s beautiful that we humans seem to be wired this way. Kindness always begets kindness.
I see/hear/feel this “pay kindness” idea promoted in Western Culture as another attempt to turn “Love”( in all its qualities), into another “commodity” to be used for barter and trade! It is but another “good intention” idea which does nothing but promote lack of clarity.
Has the Western mind become so ridged that is can’t detect that…. ‘Love Grows’ ?
Meaning, it is the very nature of Love to give back to the giver, ...
In what ways can I “pay kindness forward?”
I see/hear/feel this “pay kindness” idea promoted in Western Culture as another attempt to turn “Love”( in all its qualities), into another “commodity” to be used for barter and trade! It is but another “good intention” idea which does nothing but promote lack of clarity.
Has the Western mind become so ridged that is can’t detect that…. ‘Love Grows’ ?
Meaning, it is the very nature of Love to give back to the giver, 7 times the original giving. Sufis call it “Accumulative Effect of Loving”.
There absolutely no need to think there is a “debt to be payed” , or “obligation to react” because one was on the receiving end of a kindness action. This mentality comes vey close to “shaming” and “Moral Grandstanding”when looked at from a safe distance!
And of course the giving of ‘not-loving’ action have to follow the same principles. As an example, A country that gives lessons to other countries by bombing them, attacking them etc, will be receiving back seven times back. It is Divine Laws “cause and effect” principle. This is the principle of what the East calls “Karma” when understood correctly.
I agree with Kevin that the idea of paying it forward is a cultural phenomenon. That being said, I try to be kind in thought and action by paying attention so I can recognize when and how to act.
Any time I see a human, animal or the earth in crisis and I have the ability to minimise their suffering, I will do all I can to carry out that duty. And even when they are not suffering, I will always live my life with as much compassion and kindness as possible. I follow a list on bradaronson.com that lists 102 everyday examples of kindness. It gives me such joy helping others
I checked out that website, Lunamugicae, and find it inspiring. I am glad you mentioned it in your post! Thank you! I will bless you each time I peruse it! Cheers!
About 10 years ago I was frustrated with my attempts to give up smoking for good. I started to ask the universe for help. I said I would pay forward. I paid for cups of coffee etc etc without anyone knowing.. One day I went to a restaurant and I made a decision to not to smoke and on top of that to order a healthy salad. The waitress said someone wanted to pay for my meal. it was anonymous. I felt the power in that seeming co incidence. I never smoked again. I have often thought about that inc...
About 10 years ago I was frustrated with my attempts to give up smoking for good. I started to ask the universe for help. I said I would pay forward. I paid for cups of coffee etc etc without anyone knowing.. One day I went to a restaurant and I made a decision to not to smoke and on top of that to order a healthy salad. The waitress said someone wanted to pay for my meal. it was anonymous. I felt the power in that seeming co incidence. I never smoked again. I have often thought about that incident. What I am left with is that intention is powerful and so is knowing that we are all interconnected in a friendly universe.
i just think simple smiles are so important – I know they are to me when I receive them. Still workin’ on smiling (I remember the recent question we had about it.) I also absolutely am for telling the person in detail who has extended kindness about my gratitude for it, and how it touched me. In “extreme” circumstances, I will get out the stationery and pen a note. (Sadly, we may be losing the art of the written word and putting pen to paper!)
In the course of a day I try to look for opportunities to do a useful act or deed that benefits another person and, when possible, for it to happen without fanfare or mention. For me, it’s not about paying things, kindness or whatever forward, it’s about paying attention to where help or action may be needed. I think that the whole “pay it forward” cultural phenomenon, though worthy on its surface, can also get frantic at times to the point where paying whatever forward becomes more impo...
In the course of a day I try to look for opportunities to do a useful act or deed that benefits another person and, when possible, for it to happen without fanfare or mention. For me, it’s not about paying things, kindness or whatever forward, it’s about paying attention to where help or action may be needed. I think that the whole “pay it forward” cultural phenomenon, though worthy on its surface, can also get frantic at times to the point where paying whatever forward becomes more important than the “why” and the reason for it.
– Kevin
With kind words and a smile.
It is easy, affordable, and always welcome.
There are certainly more intricate ways; but this is something that ALL of us can do. ????????????
When I desire something, give it to someone else. That is a good way to follow the Golden Rule.
I crochet for charity and pray over the items I made in hopes that the person receiving the shawl, scarf or hat will be warmed by God’s compassionate heart.
By being respectful and compassionate toward everyone I meet. Smiling and saying “hello” can go a long way with anyone I come across.
when I am among my friends, among people I love,I have no doubts: it is easy to pay kindness forward because gratitude permeates my own life, and the time to show my gratitude is the life itself, with smiles, greetings, meetings, something done together, sharing our issues and our joys.
Lately I had some issues with people whose pleasantness is beyond any doubt, but who tends to be intrusive, whose kindness is simple, but a few binding, as an effect of their intrusiveness. I am not sure I wil...
when I am among my friends, among people I love,I have no doubts: it is easy to pay kindness forward because gratitude permeates my own life, and the time to show my gratitude is the life itself, with smiles, greetings, meetings, something done together, sharing our issues and our joys.
Lately I had some issues with people whose pleasantness is beyond any doubt, but who tends to be intrusive, whose kindness is simple, but a few binding, as an effect of their intrusiveness. I am not sure I will pay this special kindness in the same way, as I don’t want to be like them. I can learn something about their simple way to share friendship, but I am less extroverted. With KC and Gina I believe that lovingkindness is the best way to live in a community, not forgetting inside freedom and a bit of wise perspicacy.
I used to be a very kind person. always looking for ways to help or bless other. Life kinda sucked that out of me over the last decade. I became a doormat to bad people due to my altruistic kindness..gave far too much of myself and my resources. I am trying to learn again to be kind but with healthy boundaries. I'm very careful about who I am kind to now. I prefer to be kind to distant strangers through charities than helping them up close and personal (which is how I've been hurt in the past). ...
I used to be a very kind person. always looking for ways to help or bless other. Life kinda sucked that out of me over the last decade. I became a doormat to bad people due to my altruistic kindness..gave far too much of myself and my resources. I am trying to learn again to be kind but with healthy boundaries. I’m very careful about who I am kind to now. I prefer to be kind to distant strangers through charities than helping them up close and personal (which is how I’ve been hurt in the past). Trying to find that balance. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get back to being as kind and giving as I was. Paying it forward seems to have some healthy detachment though…I see that is doing good to a stranger in close proximity..without really having a personal connection with them. That may be a good answer for keeping my kindness closer to home.
Through lovingkindness practice. In silence or any language. By saying no to the huge guilt and pressure that I feel from a question like this, and expressing a true gesture from the heart. By keeping it simple. Practice.
May I be filled with loving kindness, held in loving kindness, see loving kindness as my essence…..then it will permeate to all living entities on earth…that is the quest !
Thanks Gina. Yes!
I have to say that for me there is a real and satisfying validity in the concept of paying kindness forward. To use a rather trite example – if someone lets me into their lane when I am driving, it makes me want to do that for someone else. I think it’s beautiful that we humans seem to be wired this way. Kindness always begets kindness.
In what ways can I “pay kindness forward?”
I see/hear/feel this “pay kindness” idea promoted in Western Culture as another attempt to turn “Love”( in all its qualities), into another “commodity” to be used for barter and trade! It is but another “good intention” idea which does nothing but promote lack of clarity.
Has the Western mind become so ridged that is can’t detect that…. ‘Love Grows’ ?
Meaning, it is the very nature of Love to give back to the giver, ...
In what ways can I “pay kindness forward?”
I see/hear/feel this “pay kindness” idea promoted in Western Culture as another attempt to turn “Love”( in all its qualities), into another “commodity” to be used for barter and trade! It is but another “good intention” idea which does nothing but promote lack of clarity.
Has the Western mind become so ridged that is can’t detect that…. ‘Love Grows’ ?
Meaning, it is the very nature of Love to give back to the giver, 7 times the original giving. Sufis call it “Accumulative Effect of Loving”.
There absolutely no need to think there is a “debt to be payed” , or “obligation to react” because one was on the receiving end of a kindness action. This mentality comes vey close to “shaming” and “Moral Grandstanding”when looked at from a safe distance!
And of course the giving of ‘not-loving’ action have to follow the same principles. As an example, A country that gives lessons to other countries by bombing them, attacking them etc, will be receiving back seven times back. It is Divine Laws “cause and effect” principle. This is the principle of what the East calls “Karma” when understood correctly.
In English. Or German i guess.
That was such a thoughtful and intelligent comment. Thank you.
I agree with Kevin that the idea of paying it forward is a cultural phenomenon. That being said, I try to be kind in thought and action by paying attention so I can recognize when and how to act.
Any time I see a human, animal or the earth in crisis and I have the ability to minimise their suffering, I will do all I can to carry out that duty. And even when they are not suffering, I will always live my life with as much compassion and kindness as possible. I follow a list on bradaronson.com that lists 102 everyday examples of kindness. It gives me such joy helping others
I checked out that website, Lunamugicae, and find it inspiring. I am glad you mentioned it in your post! Thank you! I will bless you each time I peruse it! Cheers!
About 10 years ago I was frustrated with my attempts to give up smoking for good. I started to ask the universe for help. I said I would pay forward. I paid for cups of coffee etc etc without anyone knowing.. One day I went to a restaurant and I made a decision to not to smoke and on top of that to order a healthy salad. The waitress said someone wanted to pay for my meal. it was anonymous. I felt the power in that seeming co incidence. I never smoked again. I have often thought about that inc...
About 10 years ago I was frustrated with my attempts to give up smoking for good. I started to ask the universe for help. I said I would pay forward. I paid for cups of coffee etc etc without anyone knowing.. One day I went to a restaurant and I made a decision to not to smoke and on top of that to order a healthy salad. The waitress said someone wanted to pay for my meal. it was anonymous. I felt the power in that seeming co incidence. I never smoked again. I have often thought about that incident. What I am left with is that intention is powerful and so is knowing that we are all interconnected in a friendly universe.
What a beautiful story, Kathleen. Thank you for sharing
i just think simple smiles are so important – I know they are to me when I receive them. Still workin’ on smiling (I remember the recent question we had about it.) I also absolutely am for telling the person in detail who has extended kindness about my gratitude for it, and how it touched me. In “extreme” circumstances, I will get out the stationery and pen a note. (Sadly, we may be losing the art of the written word and putting pen to paper!)
In the course of a day I try to look for opportunities to do a useful act or deed that benefits another person and, when possible, for it to happen without fanfare or mention. For me, it’s not about paying things, kindness or whatever forward, it’s about paying attention to where help or action may be needed. I think that the whole “pay it forward” cultural phenomenon, though worthy on its surface, can also get frantic at times to the point where paying whatever forward becomes more impo...
In the course of a day I try to look for opportunities to do a useful act or deed that benefits another person and, when possible, for it to happen without fanfare or mention. For me, it’s not about paying things, kindness or whatever forward, it’s about paying attention to where help or action may be needed. I think that the whole “pay it forward” cultural phenomenon, though worthy on its surface, can also get frantic at times to the point where paying whatever forward becomes more important than the “why” and the reason for it.
– Kevin
With kind words and a smile.
It is easy, affordable, and always welcome.
There are certainly more intricate ways; but this is something that ALL of us can do. ????????????
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