The Magic Of Kindness

Kindness helps the world go round. Good deeds are their own reward. The motivation behind our good deeds does not matter to the recipient. What is altruism? And does the motive matter?

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Transcript

Dear Friends,

I attended a meditation session the other evening.

The subject for consideration was altruism.

The question was,

Is pure altruism really possible?

Is it ever possible for us to perform kind actions without a thought that those actions will be rewarded?

The reward need not be material and it need not come from outside ourselves.

We all know how good it feels when we do a good deed,

Kindness being its own reward.

It seems impossible for us to perform even an anonymous good deed without our being rewarded with this good feeling that arises from the kind act.

So,

Is pure altruism really possible?

We see how in moments of crisis people will,

Without hesitation,

Immediately come to the aid of someone or some animal in difficulty.

Is there some inbuilt instinct for the preservation of life which brings out the best in us in these circumstances?

The meditation on altruism gave rise to a really interesting discussion.

I think the general feeling of the group was that pure altruism is possible.

What was also clear was that the recipients of acts of kindness,

Whatever the motive for these acts might be,

Are very happy to have been the beneficiaries of these good deeds.

After the meditation ended,

And even as it ended,

It occurred to me how wonderful it was to see a group of people coming together,

In a sense falling over one another,

In the attempt to better understand our motives for doing good.

No mention of bad news or bad actions,

Just looking at good deeds with gratitude and considering the possibility of the purity of intention surrounding them.

The discussion bringing out the best in us and reminding us how goodness and kindness is an ideal for which we can all aim,

With every kind act,

Whatever the motive,

A building block in the task of making this world a better place.

Full marks for each and every such builder.

Namaste.

Reviews

A wonderful talk that reminds us to act out of kindness. These are words to live by. 🙏🏼

Thank you Tony for this timely and valuable reminder of what we can all do more of to make the world a sweeter place. Namaste

Thank you for reminding me about the magic of acts of kindness. A perfect energy balance where the receives, givers and observers all feel uplifted. 🙏🏾❤️🌈

Thank you for this talk Tony. My analogy - Kindness is like a Hug - A hug is a gift of kindness, the reciever feels your the kindness, and sincerity in that hug, and you feel the good and goodness in giving that hug. 🤗

Wonderful Tony, thanks for sharing. If I had a religion it would be the religion of kindness. It has the power to change the world. As you said it’s something innate within us. We should use it well ☺️
Sorry to have missed your group lately. Hopefully I’ll be able to make it again soon 🙏🏻😊🎶💗

Your kind words are always so much appreciated. Thank you so much. (-:

"Where your attention goes your energy flows". Wonderful lesson in how powerful it is to spend quality time creating more of what you want by attending to it.

Another lovely talk, Tom. When I’m flying now I have difficulty lifting my carryon into the overhead bins and almost always a strong young person lifts it up for me. I am really touched that people will help me. It inspires me to help others. It’s contagious! I love your Irish accent! My parents were both born in Ireland.

Beautiful sentiment. I think it’s possible- but how often it happens? Who knows 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you Tony. As always, it is so heartwarming to hear your words and reflections.

I remember my dear Mum, Veronica loved this quote: “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind”.
Henry James

Have a beautiful day.
Rani 🌸❤️🙏

Does there have to be a motive to be kind? There are those people who are just kind and always have been. It’s just in their soul. Then there are those who seem to work on being kind.
Either way there needs to be more kindness in the world. People helping each other. That’s how life use to be. These days it seem there are a lot just only thinking of themselves. We need to get back to helping others for no reason.

It sounds like a lovely meditation group Tony.
When it comes from the heart the doing of the kind act brings it’s own reward of peace and calm.
☘️💚☘️

That sounds like a lovely conversation to have. Thank you for sharing!

Never a bad idea for the giver or receiver to do something kind. 🙏🏻🌺

Goodness and kindness are great, whatever the benefits. Namaste 🤓🙏🏻

Thank you, Tony, good to hear your voice and thoughts on kindness!
All the best to you,
Donna

Thank you, Tony. Sounds like a wonderful Meditation conversation to have been able to be present for and to contribute. Intrinsic kindness in a human being is possible. Did “Kindness is its own reward” expression come up during this meditation? This meditation leaves me wondering, can Kindness ever be as you discuss here, altruistic?

So beautiful Tony !’ I believe kindness creates more kindness 💫💫💫
Thank you for this lovely talk
Bless !