If all the investments we’ve made in life, the only
one that keeps coming back to us in manifold is that of goodwill and kindness.
A sense of courtesy and kindness has always been appreciated and remembered by
people for years to come. It has invariably come back to us in some form or the
other. If we were to ask anyone to believe just one thing with their eyes
closed, then this is it – goodwill is the only guarantee that holds us in good
stead all through life.
At times, this goodwill involves just a basic
courtesy, such as inviting some people to sit, listening to them, using a kind
note, asking about their welfare, or just saying “please” or “thank you”.
Often, we speak hastily in rage, or even more important, don’t watch our tone,
which results in long-lasting resentments that cost us precious time and
energy.
It is so important to show appreciation and care. No
matter how busy we are, it is important to pause and work. It is important to
be kind, and this is quite obvious when we consider how good it makes us feel.
There is a kind of magical healing power in kindness that impacts both the
giver and the receiver.
But goodwill also goes beyond the individual to impact
the life of a community, a nation, and the world. Goodwill implies a spirit of
courtesy and accommodation – the very foundation of civilised life. It
strengthens communities and removes barriers to growth, and is possibly the
only way to reach our full potential as humans and nations. The policy of
inclusiveness is the foundation of goodwill. Differences may and indeed must
exist, but what is important is a mutual acceptance of those differences.
If there is goodwill in between people, no differences
will ever blow up into hatred and violence. Inclusiveness and a spirit of
accepting differences will have taught us patience and accommodation, rather
than frustration and impatience. How much goodwill flows in a society and how
kind and inclusive its people are depends on the kind of people we are bringing
up. It all boils down to the family unit and how much kindness, understanding
and inclusiveness flows there. And then, of course, it is dependent on each
individual and how evolved we wish to become.
If we personally believe that all others are
psychological mirrors of ourselves, how can we hate others ? It all begins with
the self. The only way to respect and cherish others is to have the same
feelings for our own self first, and to understand that all others are
psychological mirrors of our own self – and so, we get the families we deserve,
the friends we deserve, colleagues, neighbours, and even leaders. To disagree
is healthy. Dialogue is essential, violence or hatred undesirable.
An understanding that unity and connectedness produces
goodwill and a sense of satisfaction and peace, helps us move in that direction
with a positive spirit. Cultivating respect for others helps us increase our
own self-respect. Constructive thoughts in individuals and families will break
destructive cycles and form a virtuous cycle that heals the politics of hatred.
Looking at it from this viewpoint, it all seems so
simple. Just live life with dignity and respect and give others enough space to
do so too. Ensure all interactions are respectful, courteous and accommodating.
Choose respect over hatred, peace over violence, life over destruction.
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