The Complexity of Changing a Simple Habit - Be kind
Sometimes the things we strive to do/be are so simple, yet so complex. Changing simple habits sounds easy enough doesn’t it?
We don’t realize how much we’ve been conditioned by the outside world to react in certain ways.
At first, as we approach a new way of being, it may appear that we’re faced with all of the challenges there could possibly be- if you are focusing on being kind, then you may feel like you keep being faced with mean, angry people.
What if it is just part of the undoing of your old habits?
What if it is brining to your attention what it feels like to be on the receiving end of your old habits, to encourage you to be kind.
I’m certainly not perfect.
Although many people see me as being so kind, I have my moments of getting angry and lashing out too. And sometimes I surprise myself with the energy that is present, that flows through me in that moment. There can be times when it is necessary, like in an instance where I need to stand up for myself, or protect myself, but oftentimes, my response is an overreaction to some sort of cue.
In that moment of getting present to situation, the trigger, the circumstances, that is where the true gift lies.
Because anyone can tell you what to expect, but you don’t truly get it until you experience it yourself.
So getting angry on the road to learning to be more kind, is simply part of the journey to kindness. And your reaction to yourself, being kind and not beating yourself up, is an important part of the journey as well.