Let's be Kinder

This is the time of the year when people make new resolutions, setting up new targets and goals. It's a good way of motivating ourselves and it help us to focus on new achievement.

Observing and contemplating on the current affairs of the world, it is indeed depressing to see many injustice, corruption, evilness, and hideous crimes committed by human.
We read and see news about murder, rape, poverty, hunger, illness, immorality and the list goes on.
But, it is interesting to see that when it comes to new year, people do take the effort to make new resolutions. Some even go to the extend of celebrating the new year.
It shows that despite everything, we are still hoping, yearning for good times and wonderful lives ahead.

How do we as individual contribute to a better world?
Let's focus on kindness.

I recently read in a book about the English writer Aldous Huxley. He was a pioneer in the study of philosophies and techniques aimed at developing human potentials. He said,
"People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is - just be a little kinder."
Not exactly an earth shattering revelation, I must say.

It doesn't take much effort to be kind.

When you see a friend with a sad face, a sincere smile would surely make a difference. In fact, smile is the most comfortable and pleasant facial expression compare to frowning or other movements of the face muscle. For Muslim, we know that a smile is not just an act of kindness, it is considered as a form of charity.

Giving or receiving kindness are both gratifying.
Remember how good we feel after being able to help our friend with her homework?
And I remember how good it felt when someone showed me the direction when I was lost in my way.
And we will always enjoy listening to kind words from anyone.
Kindness has no size, big or small, kindness is priceless.
But people say, kindness is actually difficult to give away, because it keeps coming back.

Research has shown that kind people are healthier, happier, more popular and respected. On the lighter side, if you feel that suffering and misery will always befallen the kind people, it could be that you have been watching too much of indonesian cinetron. (No offense to my dear Indonesian friends, some of you are the kindest people I know)

There are people out there in our life whom, at the moment of seeing their face it gives a pleasant feeling because the only thing that we know about them is their kindness. That's the powerful effect of kindness, it's everlasting.

Being kind makes us feel good, because we are created to be kind.
Because we are created by The most kind of all.

All praises and thanks to Him, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful for all the kindness that He has bestowed on us regardless of our constant wrongdoings and unkindness.
Please forgive us Ya Ghaffar..