The Short Seasons of Mercy and Kindness

In the spirit of Christmas

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his seeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” — Saint Basil

Today I watched a Christmas movie. It was very touching and meaningful. Even though it should have made me feel cheerful, I felt sad. All the people out there who are going through hardships, or who are feeling lonely, or sad, the ones who live alone and have no one to talk to, those suffering from pain… everyone came to my mind. They too need an act of kindness and should not be waiting for an occasion to receive it.

I am not a Christian, yet I relate to Christmas a lot. The festive season in general, sweeps my heart away and tenders my soul. My emotions soften and my world becomes brighter. The significance it holds is huge. It is all about kindness and compassion. Truth be told, we should be kind-hearted every single day of our lives. Yet, many people wait for a reminder, a day during the year, or a season, to bring out their spirit of benevolence.

Christmas reminds me of another month of kindness and mercy which dashes my heart, the Holy month of Ramadan. I never experience or feel continuous peace and humanity for a whole month, more than the way I do during the month of Ramadan.

But my everlasting question persists — Why do some people need reasons or reminders to show simple acts of sympathy and good deeds?

Every second, a human being in this world goes through a mishap. This individual could be me or you any day. All we would like is to live peacefully and happily. We all want to be loved, to be cared for, and to be treated kindly. We can do so much to contribute to that. Everyone can make a change no matter how small the act is. When we are driven by kindness and sincere desire to help ourselves and others, anything is viable.

Love and empathy are a big deal. No matter which religion we belong to, or not, we all desire serenity so that we are able to go through our challenges. In fact, religion is all about decent behavior and kind treatment. Let us not hide behind labels.

I wish every person on this face of earth can make it a point to wake up each day with gratitude, acknowledge their blessings and genuinely gives others. How we treat each other reflects on us and on the people around, and our tolerance for one another positively affects us and them.

“When the norm is decency, other virtues can thrive: integrity, honesty, compassion, kindness, and trust.” — Raja Krishnamoorthi

I cannot help but wonder, what would it cost one person to be kind to another? We all constantly speak of a better world and complain that people do not change. Start with yourself, and let the change come from within. Good actions are encouraging and contagious. Being thoughtful and caring not only affects others, but it will also have a positive impact on you. Envision this happening daily, life hurdles will be much easier to deal with!

A lot of people want to help and do good. They just do not know how. The good news is that the act of kindness is not difficult. It can start in our homes when we interact with our families, our relationships, or our daily interactions. Take small steps. Be kind to at least one person during the day. This effortless act will blossom, and flow out more than you think.

If you are not sure how to start, here are simple ways:

1- Smile often

2- Provide a frank compliment

3- Listen to others

4- Offer your help

5- Be there for your close family and good friends

6- Give food to a homeless person

7- Give away stuff you do not need to those in need

8- Buy lunch for your coworker

9- Buy medicine for a poor person — I love this one! There is nothing more sympathetic than easing people’s pain

10- Genuinely thank your helper for something they did for you

11- Greet your coworkers warmly

12- Do a favor without expecting anything in return

13- Be kind to a stranger

14- Donate money. It does not have to be a fortune. I, for instance, assigned a day during the week to put money in a donation box which goes directly to charity. I have been practicing this for years. It became a habit which I enjoy and look forward to. It is an act which I will not miss for the world. Nothing beats the feeling of sharing what we have with others.

15- Spend more time with your family!

Where there is a will, there is always a way. A simple act of kindness can turn worlds around. You just have to be willing to contribute to really make a difference and make the world a better place.

Kindness develops from gratitude. It does not only positively impact our mental health, but it can also affect our physical wellbeing. Imagine yourself bettering your health or someone else’s through:

· A smile — A smiles gives a feeling of enjoyment

· Reducing anxiety or positively impacting self-worth — Kindness boosts serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters in the brain which cause us pleasure and increase happiness.

· Easing pain — Participating in acts of kindness releases endorphin hormone known as the brain’s natural pain killer.

· Reducing blood pressure — Acts of kindness helps release oxytocin, a hormone which helps lower blood pressure.

“Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage, not a weakness.” — Katherine Henson

Live every day like it is Christmas day or Ramadan or any other compassionate season you may believe in. Live to give. Humanity is vital, it has a great influence on you and everyone around. We all need it, especially in a cruel world which is becoming harder and stranger by the day.

Finally, my heartfelt wishes to everyone in the festive season. May all your hearts be compassionate all year long. Peace and love to everyone.