The Challenge of the Past and Kindness

We all have stories of struggle from our past. We had the struggle, survived the experience, and then proceeded with the rest of our lives.

The Challenge of the Past seems to be a call to future kindness and compassion. As I reflect on those things that have transpired in my life and then the things my friends and acquaintances have happening in their lives, I sense that my tests and difficulties are blessings for others.

While this idea is far from new or really that profound, I encourage you to reflect on its truth. How can one have sincere compassion if life has been the proverbial bed of roses? You can't expect a person to "relate" or share the real impact of a test or difficulty when no understanding of such a test or difficulty is part of that person's past.

Could this be the reason that we hear so many un-loving, cruel and non-compassionate rhetoric coming from those in our society who are privileged or who have great fortune or have embraced narrow views?

Kindness seems to be an outcome, rather than an action, in this case. For how can one show kindness and compassion if no tests or difficulties have provided humility?

I am far from claiming myself a humble person. I am  a prideful, egotistic person who often revels in my "accomplishments". Yet, every thoughtful person, every sacred text, and every leader that has gained respect, agrees with the principle that the self, the ego, or pride leads a person astray from "the Path."

“Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception.” - Buddha

Thanks for reading. I hope you can tune in tomorrow at noon Pacific for Stay Peaceful and our topic this week, Peace and Kindness.

Tune in here: http://www.thex.ca/home.php (better if you are in a local building too!)

Local: 92.5 FM The X, if you are out and enjoying the sunny weather in Kamloops.

Stay Peaceful,

Jason