Where Kindness Begins

I held my mother’s  arm and navigated the very crowded airport.

I couldn’t help but think of how many times she must have done this for me from the moment I was born.

What I got to notice this time was all the looks from strangers.

These “looks” were more smiles, and kind recognitions that I must be the daughter, helping my elder mother.

Of course, they looked and smiled kindly, and I looked and returned the gentle knowing smiles.

It connected me to all these strangers. It softened me.

And smiles exchanged may not sound like much. After all, in the midwest where I live currently, people tend to smile at each other often.

However, the smiles exchanged while at the airport were powerful. Without a word, they conveyed so many sentiments.

I imagined people were thinking:

“Oh, how sweet that she is taking care of her mother.”

“What a kind daughter to take care of her mother like that.”

“I wish I was that close to my mother.”

“I miss my mother.”

“I hope my children will look after me like that when needed.”

I am sure there were many other thoughts along the same lines.

As a parent, that last one, that we hope our children will also be kind to us when we are older, and need help is very relatable.

You may be a brand new mom—walking your child, hand in hand.

You may have grown children, who need a break from holding your hand.

Or you may be the older child, who longs to hold your mother’s hand, and keep her safe and secure and held.

Or maybe, you only have sweet memories of those hands that held you.

What is true is that we all need holding at some point, and there is no shame in that.

Whether you are holding, or being held, the world understands and smiles.

Kindness inspires! It must start with you.

Begin this year, by holding yourself, in kindness, in self-compassion. As that is what creates your utmost ability to hold others with care.

Check the Upcoming Events tab to invite Mindful Self-Compassion into your life!