Do Unto Others
By One Kind Act in Being Kind,Daily Acts of Kindness,Kindness,One Kind Act | 3 comments
All over the world, there exists a simple precept that, when followed, has the power to end conflict and banish strife. It is the Golden Rule, a key concept in many philosophies and spiritualities that admonishes us to “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” Its meaning is clear: treat others only in ways that you would want to be treated. However, the golden rule is not always easy to follow. It can be a challenge to honor others as we wish to be honored. Yet, when we do so, we bestow a gift of loving kindness on our fellow human beings. And, in honoring others, we honor ourselves.
It is as uncomplicated a tenet as one could wish for. When we live by it, harming another person becomes nearly impossible. The Golden Rule is rooted in pure empathy and does not compel us to perform any specific act. Rather, it gently guides us to never let our actions toward others be out of harmony with our own desires. The Golden Rule asks us to be aware of the effect our words and actions may have on another person and to imagine ourselves in their place. It calls on us to ask ourselves how we would feel if what we were about to do were directed toward us. And yet this rule invites us to do more than not harm others. It suggests that we look for opportunities to behave toward others in the same ways that we would want others to act toward us. Showing compassion, being considerate of others, caring for the less fortunate, and giving generously are what can result when you follow the Golden Rule.
Adhering to the Golden Rule whenever possible can have a positive effect on the world around you because kindness begets kindness. In doing so, you generate a flow of positive energy that enfolds everyone you encounter in peace, goodwill, and harmony.
Reprinted with permission from DailyOM.com – Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day. Register for free at www.dailyom.com © 2004-2009 DailyOM -All Rights Reserved.
Technorati Tags: one kind act, being kind, kindness, one kind act a day, helping others, random acts of kindness
email this | tag this | digg this | trackback | comment RSS feed
Hellen CLARK | Mar 22, 2009 | Reply
I like your blog and wanted to say keep up the good work. Do you plan on posting more soon?
Matthew | Mar 24, 2009 | Reply
Helen,
Thanks for stopping by… We update the site as when time allows us to.
Be kind to someone today!
Matthew
Gloria Ives | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I think the Golden Rule is the Answer to any question regarding happiness and contentment in general. It benefits the giver and the receiver. It is a habit, we can gently remind ourselves of when we come in contact with behavior to the contrary–whether we are the recipients or we have observed it, we can make a mental note to ourselves. Invariably, when faced with situations of which we are a component, then the answer becomes much easier. I also believe that practicing it increases your capacity for empathy, whether you were born sensitive to the feelings of others, or not.
Thank you for this wonderful website. I’ve posted your link to my Facebook Page.
Namaste.