A Space of Loving-kindness

This week, I was moved by the tenderness in Washington that I had not seen in awhile. It took the death of President Bush to bring a hush to the town and to the thought of this country.

We stopped and took a collective breathe.

Death has a funny way of doing that: of making us stop and reflect. I know I stopped my hurried thought and agitated mind. I stopped to ponder my own life, as friends and family stood and spoke with elegant humility about the father, the friend, the grandfather they lost.

I didn’t much agree with Bush’s politics, but we were still connected. I felt connected to him. In that moment, I think we all were connected, as we watched the loving care bestowed upon this man; someone who saw humanity above party, and kindness above winning.

Our connection was kindness.  

So, what is our legacy? How will we be remembered? We may not have a state funeral or a casket draped in the American flag, but our life is no less precious. Yesterday, when I heard those loving words from friends and family, I was struck by the power of kindness.

It’s not a flimsy, hokey word. Kindness is strength. Kindness moves people to action. Kindness, heals.

I really do believe that: Kindness, heals.

So, how kind have you been to yourself, lately? We can’t forget ourselves in the kindness equation. I know that I’m guilty of that, of not speaking lovingly to myself, of not loving myself as much as I should!

So today, I will think and speak differently to myself and to those with which I differ.

Watching the funeral, I wonder, though, at how different we really are. Perhaps that is the lesson: that despite gender and race and religion and sexuality, maybe at the end of it all, we are just beings looking for a bit of kindness and love and acceptance.

And to be remembered and to know that our life made a difference.

Call to Action: Do one act of kindness, today.