What is Kindness

Many years ago, I was lucky to meet an amazing and gifted life coach. One of the many things she taught me over the 10 years I knew her, was to look up the definition of words in order to fully understand the given word. Often times, I was quite surprised and other times it was just as I expected. Either way, I always seem to have a better understanding of a word and its true meaning. Try it sometime and see if the words you use really mean what you think they do.

So what exactly does kindness mean? Here is the definition from Dictionary.com

Kindness

noun

1. the state or quality of being kind : kindness to animals.

2. a kind act; favor: his many kindnesses to me.

3. kind behavior: I will never forget your kindness.

4. friendly feeling; liking.

Well that does not seem to allow for much further exploration of the word kindness.  Sometimes looking at the synonyms will shed light on the meaning of the word. Let’s look at the synonyms listed at Thesaurus.com

Synonyms for kindness noun compassion, generosity:

affection, altruism, benevolence, cordiality, courtesy, decency, forbearance, gentleness, good will, goodness, grace, graciousness, hospitality, humanity, patience, solicitude, sweetness, sympathy, tenderness, tolerance, understanding, unselfishness.

The words that speak to me and my definition of kindness are the following: gentleness, grace, patience, sweetness, tenderness and understanding. All beautiful and different words that all contribute to the word and meaning of kindness. I am seeking gentleness and grace and patience and sweetness and tenderness and understanding. Those are the words that describe the kind of kindness I want to live and embrace in my life. What about you? Do you seek the same kindness in you, in the world. Let us continue to practice and seek kindness.

Namaste,

Jennifer