Kindfulness

My Pebble of Humor. This guy has some funny shorts( and amazing mugs). Enjoy.

Now that we have had a good laugh (I hope) lets take a real look at kindness. Below is a link to a book read on YouTube. The book is called Kindness is My Superpower. It is a great book for our younger students. 

Kindness is my Superpower

How does kindness fit into our daily lives? How important is kindness? Does it connect to mindfulness? 

In a 2015 article on Mindful.org, author Shamash Alidina shares her thoughts and findings on kindness and mindfulness.

Alidina shares that we cannot truly be mindful until we bring kindness to our mindfulness. 

If we think about our definition of mindfulness we find that this is ever present. "Pay attention, on purpose, without judgement." When we engage in mindfulness without judgement we are showing kindness to ourselves and others.

A monk named Ajahn Brahm coined a tern for kindness within mindfulness, kindfulness. Imagine meeting your feelings with kindness and being gentle with yourself, even in the face of unpleasant feelings.

Alidina in her article goes on to share that she sees kindness and mindfulness as two wings of one bird. When we engage both we soar to great heights of wisdom, unconditional joy, and deep peace.

So how do we engage kindness into our mindfulness?

First we can practice a mindful meditation called Loving-Kindness. This is a mindfulness that asks us to send well wishes to ourselves, those we love, and those we struggle with the most. 

Another way to infuse mindfulness with kindness is to take time to place our hands on our hearts as we take in deep breaths. We can also close our eyes and smile. Make sure that while you are engaging in the practice you are listening with your heart and not focusing with your head. 

We can also engage objects into the mindfulness to remind us of kindness. For many, young and old, a cuddle/hug gives the feeling of security. This is a kind gesture toward yourself. We can do this by grabbing a stuffed animal and squeezing tight. Don't have one near you, find anything that holds meaning to you. It might sound silly, but perhaps you are grateful for water and you are showing kindness to yourself by having a bottle of water. Grab the water and hold it close while you breathe in and be thankful. 

Don't forget kind words. Ourself talk is often the worst talk we do in the day. We diminish our accomplishments, belittle our efforts, and berate ourselves for mistakes. Kindness mindful behavior looks like using a softened, positive self-talk. Relax, take it easy, and tell yourself "I can keep going."

Let's practice Loving-Kindness together.

Take a deep breath in. 

As you breathe in think of something you wish for yourself today. Use kind words with yourself.

Hold in the breath and the wish.

Then release the wish with the breath.

Take another deep breath in. 

As you breathe in think of someone you love and care about deeply. What do you wish for them today?

Hold in the breath and the wish.

Then release the wish with the breath.

Last deep breath in.

This breath is for someone you struggle to like, get along with, or maybe even dislike greatly.  Be gentle. Be kind. While this wish it toward them, it is for you. This is showing your kindness and lightening your emotional load.

Breathe in and hold the breath and wish.

Breathe out and release the wish.

Now that we are done with the mindfulness practice lets ask ourselves a question; do i feel warm, calm, and peaceful?

After a true kind mindfulness, kindfulness, we should feel a sense of peace and calm. We should not be angry, irritated, or simply glad the activity is completed.

Can you take a moment today to infuse your mindfulness with kindness and ask yourself if that helped you feel peaceful and calm?