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Clanmother World Kindness Day

Celebrating World Kindness Day 2020

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. In reality, these words do not fully encompass the emotional value of our profound need for kindness. Whether we bestow kindness or receive kindness, there is a sense of belonging, of being in sync with ourselves and within our communities.

As we continue to experience the uncertainty and fear that accompanies our current reality of living within the Covid19 pandemic, kindness will be a steadying consolation. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, gives generously to the human spirit.

Thank you for Celebrating World Kindness Day 2020

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

57 replies on “Celebrating World Kindness Day 2020”

Indeed. Kindness can be like a breath of fresh air; a light which awakens us from much of the suffering in the world. It is an action which can show us a better way of living as members of the human family is possible.

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What a very special word kindness, of which there is a world shortage. But thanks to you, Rebecca, the idea of it along with your definition and your interesting well expressed reading, its shortage will be that much less. Well done dear friend!

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Thank you Jean-Jacques. Kindness has a strength that gives us confidence to face the most difficult challenges along our journey. One word, a smile of acceptance opens doors and possibilities. Thank you for being a kindred spirit along the way and for giving words to discover “The onset of bliss!”

“The Way – to discover –
In a mind
Yet innocent,
Be a time
Beneficent,
In a face
Speaks sincere,
Of a wish,
Wants feel
the caress
Of a kiss,
Finds give way
To discover,
The onset of bliss.”
Jean-Jacques Fournier

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Oh Becky, bringer of joy, comfort and much kindness to us all. Thank you for your wonderful video – a beacon of light and love in these difficult times. Let me add one more quote to your glorious collection: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” ~ HH the Dalai Lama. Sending love and hugs as always 💚💜 (ps, fabulous tartan! X)

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I LOVE that quote, especially the “It is always possible.” Sometimes, I confess that I don’t think it is possible, but I’m learning to breathe deeply and take a few second before responding. It is so easy to come back with words said in haste. The follow-up recriminations are sure to come. A few days ago, in my guided meditation, this is the quote that was given. It comes from the movie, Good Will Hunting: “You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” Thank you so much for your friendship – the energy of kindness comes through the WIFI from Edinburgh to Vancouver. Hugs and more hugs.

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You are so right (as always!). One of the gifts of getting older has been a recognition that not everything has to be done at break-neck speed, and that in fact it is often better to take things more slowly. Steve has a wonderful philosophy for difficult moments – ‘let the world turn a few times before responding’. I find this is often the kindest thing to do, for myself and for others. XXX

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He is certainly handy to have around!! And stay tuned for further news about ACC….. X

PS, I have just come across this kindness-related book which sounds excellent (Carlo Rovelli is a brilliant writer and I have his previous book The Order of Time on audible, read by the delectable Benedict Cumberbatch 😍) https://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Places-World-Important-Kindness-ebook/dp/B084TF77N2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=SXJJHKC6FA0S&keywords=there+are+places+in+the+world+where+rules+are+less+important&qid=1605430558&sprefix=There+are+places%2Caps%2C1009&sr=8-2

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This sounds like an amazing book. I checked Audible Canada and it is not available nor is it available on Kindle Canada. It will not be available in Canada until the “release date” of February 2025. There is a mystery here, Liz!!! But I have downloaded “The Order of Time” read by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch!! You have the best book introductions, my dear friend.

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Very touching, dear Rebecca,your words about kindness, especially in this period.:) I have next to me a booklet I once received from an American Indian friend, which is always near me with the title “Random acts of kindness ” and whose stories continue to move me. Have a very good day and big hugs Martina

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I agree, Martina – these are the times when kindness is the most needed. We are facing an enormous disruption that has engulfed the world. I was looking up the book “Random Acts of Kindness.” I would love to read it! Thank you for celebrating kindness with me – I enjoy our conversations and look forward to your visits! Sending many hugs your way, my dear friend.

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Yes, Rebecca, I think it will be quite a challenge for the entire world to come to grips with the m a n y big problems by which we are engulved!
The booklet I mentioned seems to have been edited by editors of Conari Press and it is dedicated to Anne Herbert, the woman who started the movement! WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Maybe I should add it to my post The Flood!
I wish you a week with many positive thoughts.:) Your friend Martina

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Thank you Martina for the book introduction – a great book title. Positive and affirming. Sending back many thanks for your kindnesses over the years. Looking forward to a a week of positive thoughts.

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Dear Marina – I am at a loss as to where they have disappeared. They are not showing on my comments at all. YIKES! I hold all comments for moderation as I want to ensure that I respond to everyone who stops by for a visit and kindly leaves comments. Sending hugs your way with apologies for not having any answers. Take care and be safe…

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So true, Rebecca; kindness first, second and third. It is the kindnesses that we remember above all else.
I remember a fourth class teacher. I was behind in schooling when I entered the school as a ‘new’ student. This wonderful kind woman took me to her heart and tutored me as best she could. Not only that, her kindness extended to warm looks, gentle gestures and a welcoming acceptance.
The fact that I am relaying this story is truth of that special quality we all love and need. Indeed, kindness must be the most beautiful energy we can share – within and without.

I loved your video. So sorry it was so cold. But, your gorgeous garments belied the reality.
xoxoxo

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Thank you for your life-affirming comments and memories of an extraordinary teacher. “Warm acceptance” is a healing action that continues to sustain us during times of uncertainty. I especially appreciated your thoughts on kindness as an energy that we can share. I have been in a tense meeting situation, where one kind word dispelled any tension and opened the way to a productive discussion. Kindness is indeed a powerful energy! Sending many hugs along with my gratitude for our friendship.

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I am delighted that you joined the celebration. I am looking forward to joining you on a beach walk in sunshine and breathing in the sea air. Vancouver is entering the “rainy season” – in fact, we call it liquid sunshine. We have a wonderful blogging community that brings kindness from afar to our kitchen tables. It is a marvelous gift.

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I echo your sentiments about kindness, Rebecca. A legacy of kindness is a million times better than a legacy of unkindness, which I believe is no legacy at all.

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I agree wholeheartedly, Joan – there is no legacy in unkindness. I have found that one unkindness generally leads to an unkind response. I have been thinking a great deal about kindness during these past months of stress and uncertainty. Dr. Bonnie Henry, our chief medical officer for British Columbia has come out with a profound and comforting mantra that starts with kindness. “Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe.” The thought about calmness resonates with me, for I have found in my experience that my ability to show kindness is directly related to keeping calm during a stressful conversation or event. I am more likely to choose kindness when calm. Kindness in response to others is really kindness to myself for I do not have recriminations for words that I have said in haste. Sending many many hugs your way along with my gratitude for our friendship.

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Every day is World Kindness Day, since kindness is simply a way of being, a way of cultivating small acts of love even to the “least of these” which lock downs, masks, and social distancing try to hinder. But with a compassionate blogging community, which you foster daily, “nothing is impossible.” Hugs and love, these simple word-actions of kindness, coming your way!

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I love the way you have placed “kindness” as a verb, Mary Jo. I have been thinking a great deal about kindness lately and how we relate to kindness in others and, more particularly with ourselves. Many times we mistake kindness as a weakness rather than a strength. It seems that kindness for others is amplified when we are kind to ourselves. Thank you for creating poetry that infuses kindness in all who read your words. Many hugs along with my gratitude coming your way!

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Kindness is so underrated, yet as vital as oxygen. The one (of many) decent boss I had in the past 10 years was trying to recommend me to the 3rd person who succeeded him. The guy told him my kindness was stupidity. I guess it’s no wonder that place eventually broke me. Kudos for celebrating kindness Rebecca. I’m not exaggerating its importance. It’s oxygen. Hugs on the wing.

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YES!!! It is oxygen. I have been giving kindness a great deal of thought over the past months, especially in how we define the act of kindness in verb format: strength vs weakness. Unkindness reduces resilience, courage and strength – at an individual as well as a community level, with devastating results. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou. I love our conversations, Teagan! Thank you! Hugs coming back on the wing.

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I wish everyday was kindness day, Rebecca. We certainly do need it. When I see people being thoughtless and selfish, I try to remember that there are people everywhere – of all colors, religions, nationalities, politics, genders, and ages – who are going above and beyond to make the world a better, kinder place.

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I agree wholeheartedly. Have you ever heard of Mary Parker Follett? Mary Parker Follett (1868 – 1933) was an American social worker, management consultant, philosopher and pioneer in the fields of organizational theory and organizational behavior. What I find remarkable was her ability to listen and be guided by the principle of what she termed “integration,” or noncoercive power-sharing based on the use of her concept of “power with” rather than “power over.” When we seek kindness within community, it is essential that we define how kindness is enacted. One of my favouite MPF quotes is: “That is always our problem, not how to get control of people, but how all together we can get control of a situation.” The underlying thought to me is that without kindness, control of a situation is as risk. Thank you so much for your heartwarming comments. I enjoy our conversations.

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That’s an interesting perspective on kindness, Rebecca. I tend to equate kindness with a generosity of spirit. But I can see how it functions in community where power is at stake. Noncoercive power-sharing is an effective strategy when working with defiant children (from my old mental health days). Of course it works with adults too. 🙂 I notice it’s a powerful tool for breaking down barriers. ❤

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I do enjoy our conversations, Diana. There are so many ways that kindness can appear which allows us to reflect upon the idea of compassion and living within community. Many thanks coming your way.

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Thank you so much for your heartwarming comments and for sharing kindness with me today, Autumn Jade. I am delighted that we are connected and are walking the pathway together. Sending hugs your way.

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Such a lovely post, Rebecca. Agree with your closing sentence, that a little act of kindness touches the human spirit. A small gesture can go a long way for someone during these strange times. Kindness makes us all the more comfortable right here, right now. Take care 🙂

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I am delighted that you celebrated World Kindness day with me. I agree wholehearted with your profound words: Kindness makes us all the more comfortable right here, right now. I have placed that thought on my computer.

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