Choose Radical Kindness
Radical kindness isn’t something that we decide to give based on merit. It is something that we are called to give in every moment, to everyone, no matter how may we feel.
Choose to be Radical in Your Kindness
By Monica Berg
Being kind is easy when we want to be, but what about when we don’t? That is a time for radical kindness, a level of kindness that gives solely for the sake of giving, not based on the perceived worthiness of the receiver. It may not be easy, but it can be simple: when we have the opportunity to be kind, be kind. When we are compassionate, especially when we don’t want to be, we deepen our relationships and become a powerful force of positivity.
A simple act of kindness can transform a moment; an entire day; an entire life.
“Kind” is something that most of us consider ourselves to be. Certainly, most people are kind. However, kindness goes far beyond just being polite, more than being nice, and more than going out of our way here and there for the people that we love. While these actions are admirable, they aren’t the type of kindness that changes the world. There is another level of kindness, radical kindness. It calls for the highest level of sharing, and when it comes to enacting it in our lives, we are a much greater distance from where we need to be than we might think.
For example, we are kind when we want to be, and when it’s easy and costs us nothing. It’s effortless to be open and generous with the people we love, with people who think like us and believe the same things we do. However, what about the times when don’t want to be kind? Are we thinking of offering kindness even when someone wrongs us? What about when it is a person that we judge as not deserving of our kindness because of their actions, beliefs, or status? How kind are we when we are hurt, angry, sad, or frustrated?
Radical kindness isn’t something that we decide to give based on merit. It is something that we are called to give in every moment, to everyone, no matter how may we feel. So often in our lives, when someone wrongs us or when someone challenges us, our first instinct is to retaliate: To stand our ground. To teach them a lesson. While it is important to set boundaries, we have the ability, if not the inclination, to do so with kindness. Instead, we withhold our affection, punish, and close our hearts. As the saying goes, ‘holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.’ Unwittingly, we are only perpetuating our suffering.
Acts of radical kindness inspire love, joy, and peace in both the giver and the receiver. It may not be easy, but it can be simple: when we have the opportunity to be kind, be kind. When we have the opportunity to give, give. No exceptions.
The next time we find we have the opportunity to give or to share, let’s open our heart a little more. If there is resistance arising, examine it. Where does it come from? How does it keep us from sharing? Note it, and then continue giving anyway. Because when we are kind in moments, we don’t want to be, we deepen connections with others and become a powerful force of positivity, not only in our own lives but in the world around us. It is why radical kindness is always worth it. Moreover, when in doubt, remember this saying, “treat everyone with kindness even if they are rude to you, not because they are kind, but because you are.”
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About the Author
Monica Berg is a teacher and writer who specializes in assisting people in living their most fulfilled lives through the wisdom of Kabbalah. She is the author of Fear Is Not an Option and serves as Chief Communications Officer for Kabbalah Centre International. Follow her weekly blog at rethinklife.today and stay in touch via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
