Did you ever notice that sometimes the simplest of questions don't have simple answers?

The question was asked in a conversation talking about some really serious recent happenings in the world.

Why can't people just be kind to each other?

Could it be that easy?

I think so. Then, what prevents us from being kind to everyone, all the time? 

People are full of insecurities, past hurts and experiences, trauma and psychosis.

Our brains are hardwired to protect us. When we feel threatened our brains tell us to act in ways to protect ourselves and that means we are not protecting others. 

The fight response kicks in and we put up our fists, use words to land a sucker punch, and cause the person we are interacting with to put up their fists, and try to get a punch to the solar plex. 

It doesn't have to be that way. We can learn to be emotionally resilient, to wire our brains to ask questions instead of readying ourselves for a battle. It isn't easy and it doesn't happen quickly – but it is possible.

The next time you are confronted with a comment or an action that is less than kind, stop and take stock of the feeling you are experiencing. It is a feeling and it can pass. 

Recognize that you don't know where the other person is coming from and don't take the comment personally. Try to get more information or choose to not engage. 

Kindness begins with each of us and since I don't control the actions of others, that means Kindness Begins With Me.

DrPaul