Here, at whatever hour you come, you will
find light, help, and human kindness.

Albert Schweitzer

The above quote is reported to have been on a sign above Dr. Schweitzer’s medical clinic.  What a simple, welcoming phrase that speaks volumes in its intent.

Think about that phrase for a moment and imagine what it would be like if you saw that sign above any place of business, at the entrance to any office, at the entryway of any home, in the vestibule of any church that you happened to visit.

Suppose that phrase was on the welcome sign of your community.  Suppose it was over the door of your local school.

Suppose this was included in the mission statement of your company, the philosophy of your customer service department, the expectation of how employees were to interact with one another.

The phrase speaks of light and we might envision a physical light that is always burning. There is another light of course that burns within each of us.  Dr. Schweitzer referred to that internal light as being fueled with our values and beliefs.  Writer Ayn Rand is quoted as saying, "Do not let your fire go out."  I speak of personal dignity and self respect extended in dignity and respect to others as being a "beacon of light."

Often places of business and other public locations offer signs that offer bilingual or multilingual services.  People who are bilingual frequently dream in both languages.  They have been internalized and come easily.

There is a universal language that can be spoken by everyone.  That language is kindness.  Suppose in addition to the bilingual or multilingual announcement, there was also a sign that read, "Kindness Spoken Here."  For some, kindness is a native language.  For others, it is a second language.  Regardless, any of us can become fluent in this language at any age.

The dictionary defines kindness as the "state or quality of being kind."  In other words, kindness is not only an action, it is a state of being.  The following are some definitions or qualities of that state of being:

A deep seated characteristic shown habitually by considerate behavior
Of a good or benevolent nature or disposition.
Having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence
Indulgent, considerate, or helpful
Mild
Gentle
Humane
Compassionate
Gracious
A sympathetic attitude toward others

Kindness can be internalized and come easily when, with practice, it becomes part of our state of being.

Kindness is something that we must own and extend to ourselves, before we are able to extend it to others.  When we do this, we do not determine whether someone deserves our kindness anymore than we determine whether someone deserves to be spoken to in their own language.  It is simply something we do because it has become our nature to be kind.

Like so many other qualities of being, it takes insight, awareness, paying attention, and not taking things personally.  Focusing outward with our values, rather than being caught up in the tempest of situations, keeping our personal power intact.

Have a great day and be good to yourself. You deserve it!

© Gail Pursell Elliott All rights reserved.   Food For Thought is part of the Dignity and Respect message that is Innovations.  Reprinting or re-distribution in any form for commercial use, including reproducing or displaying on your website, requires permission. Contact Gail at gail@innovations-training.com .

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