This is the first in a 3-part series on kindness. It is Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 24 May) and I have been thinking about being kind: to ourselves, in our society and thirdly how do we want to build a future which is kinder? Let’s start with how we treat ourselves and address the other two questions in further articles.
How are you feeling?
How are you feeling at the moment? What is the kindest thing that you have done for yourself over the past couple of months? Is that an easy question to answer or is it difficult? Are you someone that gives yourself a tough time? Do you expect yourself to be achieve many things each day? Do you have lists, goals and more goals? Do you feel invigorated and focused by your goals or warn-down by them?
Finding balance
It is good to have goals, but we need balance in all areas of our lives. There can’t be continuous growth, it isn’t the way nature works and we don’t work that way either. There’s spring, summer, autumn and winter. Winter is the death, the dormant phase in this cycle. We also have natural cycles and we need time to rest and rejuvenate. These are times of being not doing. Being is especially important, it allows us to listen and get creative. We need this time to listen and get clear about our direction before we head off into doing and action. Without being, listening to your inner guidance you end up doing a lot of things that you realise weren’t in your best interest.
Be your own best friend
Our society is obsessed with busy. Looking busy, feeling important because they are being busy, its not about effective, it’s business. You can be much more effective if you spend time being. Then your doing is in alignment with you. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be. Don’t hassle, push and prod yourself. You live with yourself 24/7. Who wants to live with a bully? Be your own best friend. Show compassion and allow yourself to rest when you need to rest. If you move with your natural energy cycles and be active when you have energy and feel creative. You will be far more productive. Rest when you need to and you will truely look after your own health. Be kind, be compassionate and just do your best. Being kind to yourself will change your life.