When we practice loving kindness {and compassion} we are the first ones to profit. –Rumi
Giving, being generous and kind, caring, consoling, listening to, holding, even forgiving, others, feels good. It ignites endorphins. It makes our hearts pump faster and lighter. It lengthens our postures, broadens our faces into smiles and puffed out cheeks, and surprised eyebrows, and flared noses. Giving, puts sparkles into our eyes.
Here’s more of the meat. I know, I am a giver and can offer all sorts of things for no other reason than to give. I will bake and share. Cook and deliver. Purchase and mail. Call and care. But I recently figured out, I am keeping a small secret, from myself. I am into fairness. I like reciprocity. And I can be seduced by greed, of wanting things in return.
I realize that sometimes I make quiet bargains with my kindnesses in order to get something in exchange. Isn’t that fair? But what I’m really doing in those instances, is becoming attached to the outcome of my generosity.
And therein lies the darkness, the disconnect, and my ego.
Loving kindness is strongest when detached from an outcome. Loving kindness is purest as is. Loving kindness isn’t dependent upon someone else’s response to it.
Loving kindness is the song of our being. Loving kindness is the melody inherent in seeing others, listening to others. Loving kindness stands alone.
