6. Kindness

            From the Buddhist approach and the Middle Way philosophy on life, we should always seek ways to nurture kindness from within ourselves and in how we interact with others. Through kindness we promote goodwill and harmony.

            Nurturing kindness adds another spectrum to our practice by further developing our insight. As you practice mindfulness and mediation you will learn the value of patience and acceptance. These qualities will naturally encourage you to cultivate a more caring and kind attitude towards yourself and others. With meditation we can easily infuse those feelings of goodwill and harmony into the world around us.

            Practicing kindness can easily be incorporated into one’s meditative practice and become a part of who you are. Our practice can be a means of spreading kindness and goodwill with each focused breath we take. As you breathe in, become aware that it is full warmth and goodwill that spreads throughout your body. Direct patience and kindness towards yourself as you visualize this sensation surrounding your heart filling you full of love and compassion. In your mind, think of the word Peace or Well-being. As you release that breath, let these thoughts and awareness of goodwill spread in a glow of light from your heart, through your own mind and body outward wishing for others to experience peace and well-being. Kindness and goodwill.

            Nurturing peacefulness through our meditation (our mindfulness) can allow kindness to flourish. Producing goodwill in the world around you occurs in the same way. It all begins with a breathe and you. Start with a sense of love and acceptance attached to your inward breathes. Then focus your mind and outward breathe on those you love and wish them peace and well-being. Move on to those you respect and finally wishing those you may dislike or even fear goodwill.

            This reflection on kindness and goodwill towards others is a central theme to the Middle Way philosophy. It can even be considered a meditative practice in its own right. As we wish others well we are seeking to instill a sense of balance in the world around us through compassion. Remember, we do not have to love everyone to simply wish them peace and well-being. Kindness and goodwill come from the same source of compassion that aids in broadening our minds beyond ourselves. It permits us to be more open, accepting of others, and receptive to the world around us.

            Compassion is what fuels the balance in our lives. Our Middle Way.

Next Chapter: Final Thoughts and Thanks