麻豆约拍

Good Morning

The Dalai Lama often says: 鈥渢here is no need for temples or complicated philosophies; our own heart is the temple, and the philosophy is kindness鈥�. In our increasingly interdependent world, none of us would survive for a day without the food, water, fuel, building materials, transport or communications provided by others. And without the kindness of a mother, we wouldn鈥檛 even have been born, or been able to survive our early years. How illogical that we often take all this kindness for granted, as if it were our right.

There is increasing evidence that kindness isn鈥檛 a soft option, but a survival skill.聽聽 Recent scientific studies indicate that kindness and generosity can lead to greater life satisfaction, stronger relationships, and better mental and physical health.聽 Other research suggests that kindness is contagious: that people who witness and benefit from others鈥� acts of kindness are more likely to be kind themselves; and that each act of kindness ripples out to touch at least three other people.聽

What would it be like to decide that kindness is the most important thing in life? To set ourselves a motivation each morning to practice kindness as much as we can, and make this the guiding principle behind every decision and action we take that day? When I try this out, I鈥檓 taken by surprise at how worries and concerns drop away. Kindness proves to be a direct antidote to the thought of 鈥榤e me me鈥� that so often leads me to speak and act in ways I later regret. Instead, through the alchemy of kindness, every encounter and challenge can be turned to gold. 鈥淲henever possible be kind. It is always possible,鈥� says The Dalai Lama. Let鈥檚 pray that we can all find the inspiration and strength to be kind today.