Hello Dears,

We would like to discuss this notion, so popular these days, of having more kindness to yourself.

Why is it popular? Well, it is, as you can imagine, something of which many people have need, great need, indeed. It is also, unfortunately, a thing about which people in general often have difficult ideas. They say things like, if I have kindness to myself I won’t be kind to anyone else (as if kindness is a limited, rather than a limitless, commodity). They say, if I am focused on being kind to myself, that’s kind of selfish. As if being hard on oneself causes oneself to be more kind and generous to other people? We think not. They say, but I don’t know HOW. Therein lies the crux. Yes, you do.

Kindness is inherent in all beings. Everyone has the experience of both giving and receiving it, even more than once, from more than one source. Some people get it from trees, and find being in nature most healing. Some people get it from sex, and find that connection most healing. Some people get it from the one on the street, who just smiles a bit and keeps walking. This can unwittingly save lives, so don’t underestimate the power of a moment of generous exchange. Kindness between strangers reminds each one they are worthy. It messes up the hatred of the media empire’s ads and reflects the basic humanity, which is fundamentally valued and valuable and really the only thing that will ever make things shine again, some days.

When you remember acts of kindness, yours or those of others, it is bound to resonate in your heart, like a tuning fork was struck. When you feel that resonance, your being relaxes, you bring more clarity and openness to your situation, and everyone nearby becomes a potential friend. When you offer kindness out, there’s no telling how far it will spread, like ripples on an infinite sea of tranquility. When you receive kindness in, there is also no telling the depth and the breadth to which it draws in. Each breath becomes a sacrament of your own true self, because your ultimate nature is this, kindness incarnate.

Kindness both reminds you of who you are and reveals the other to be like you. It heals the wounds of neglect and harsh pride and opens things up again so the light gets in. If you have ever felt it, in either or all directions, then you know how to give it to yourself. Remember kindness, both offered and received, like turning on a lamp. Then sit yourself under it and soak in the light.

Many blessings and much love come to you.

BlueStar