Just Be Kind

"Just be kind whenever possible.

It is always possible."

Dalai Lama

Often we can convince ourselves that living our life with happiness and joy is very complicated; involving many years of arduous meditation, the reading of hundreds of sacred texts and going away on countless spiritual retreats. Yet, what if spiritual awakening is actually very simple, in fact the most simple thing in the world? What if living a life in the flow of the present moment, with ease and grace, comes down to one very simple practice, which can be done anywhere and at anytime? Wouldn't that be the greatest news that you could receive?

The truth is, the practice of being kind, to yourself and all who cross your path, is the fast-track to feeling a sense of happiness and peace no matter the circumstances of your life. This one practice is the key to feeling open-hearted friendliness toward everyone, and living from the deep joy that is available in our own Being. Of course, to reap the fruits of this practice we must begin with ourselves. We always seem to have an easier time being kind to others, rather than to ourselves, but until we feel a sense of friendliness toward ourselves, just as we are, the true ability to give kindness to others will elude us. Once we begin to feel a deepening kindness towards ourselves, our hearts will naturally begin to open and radiate this kindness toward all beings. This practice comes down to being kind on every breath, and is expressed beautifully by Scott Morrison in the following teaching:

"Do you really want to be happy? Just pay attention and be kind, unconditionally kind, on this breath alone. Forget about the future. Just this breath. No matter what the circumstances, just be kind. Everything else will work itself out, and you will sense your own Pure Heart everywhere. How amazing.

Very simple. Just be kind.

Only on this breath."