The Kindness Within

Day 86: The Kindness Within

“Stop looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security or love – you have a treasure within that is infinitely greater than anything the world can offer.” – Eckhart Tolle

If only we were all as enlightened as Mr. Eckhart Tolle. I mean that in the kindest way. I really wish I had the ability to look within, see my treasures and really know that is all I need. I want to embrace that I am enough, I want to teach my kids that they are enough. That nothing outside of me or them will enhance who they are, because they are perfect just as they are. I say to my kids often how they are perfect the way they are, perfectly made, but then I wonder if they believe it. I see everyone I know struggle with some form of insecurity.

How can I look at my children and tell them they are perfect exactly as they are, unless I truly believe that about myself? I have had glimpses of feeling that I am perfectly made and that I am enough just as I am, but most of the time, I would have to admit that I need things, people and situations to make me feel better. The glimpses usually follow a day when I have made it my focus and purpose to be in the moment, accept things as they are, and celebrate in gratitude. I wish I could do this daily and not falter, however, this path to enlightenment is not a simple one, it takes hard work, dedication and constant practice.

I like to believe that we all have a treasure within us that is waiting to be found, embraced, and then shared with the world. As Pablo Picasso was quoted for saying: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” I could not agree more, however, it is the finding of the gift that is that hard part for most of us. The longer I am on this path of kindness, the more I have realized that most of us have buried treasures within that need some digging. I can see the treasures within my children and am learning to see the treasure within myself. My hope is that by finding and embracing my treasure, I will be able to help those around me find their treasures and they will then help those around them and so on.

Find your treasure, and loving kindness will flow from within, and that kindness will pass to all others.

Jennifer Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Tosaporn Boonyayarngkul