Normally whenever I hear of a week devoted to a particular topic, I kind of roll my eyes. The cynic in me often wonders why something simple needs to be recognized by having a special day/week on the calendar acknowledging it when it should be a normal part of life. Too often it seems to be a function of corporations trying to capitalize on another way to make a buck by selling us something to literally buy into it.
Quite by accident, I was made aware that November 13-19 is World Kindness Week. Lately it seems we need kindness more than ever and while searching for a meme to exemplify it, I came across this one that truly exemplifies the meaning.
Lao Tzu, the legendary Chinese philosopher, thought to have lived in the 5th century has been credited with founding the philosophical system of Taoism and is best known as the author of the Laozi (later retitled the Tao-Te-Ching translated as “The Way of Virtue”) which best illustrates his thoughts. Aligning oneself with the Tao according to Lao-Tzu, would bring about harmony with the universe and enriches one’s life; opposition to the Tao brings frustration, unhappiness, and anger which then results in manifested bad behavior.
While his name is actually a title meaning ‘Old Man’ or ‘Old Master’ there remains much debate as to whether he actually existed or whether Lao-Tzu is more of an amalgam of different philosophers. Either way, the teachings seems prophetic especially in these troubled times. More than ever, humans could use these teachings to be better than they’ve been lately.
You can learn more about Lao Tzu’s teachings in this video.
Bottom line, we hope this week is filled with kindness for you and others. Let’s spread the message of kindness far and wide…humanity needs it now more than ever.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Kindness is the best key to open the door to peace.
You’re so right!
Thank you for sharing this. Peace be with you.
And with you, Amy. May peace, respect and kindness be front and center for you and yours.
Charlee: “A week of being kind to everyone sounds good to me. Are you paying attention to this, Chaplin?”
Chaplin: “Why are you asking ME that, specifically?”
It’s sad we have to have a dedicated day/week to something that should be a no-brainer. I’m sure both of you are plenty kind.
P.S. Apparently WP has gone off the reservation recently-this is another comment it sent to the spam folder. Sorry, Mom just found it. Our apologies.
I can’t think of one time I’ve ever regretted being kind. Lots of times being NOT KIND. But never being kind.
Absolutely! More people should adhere to that.
Kindness and love are the best gifts of all!!!
Hugs, Teddy
They truly are…and we need more gifts.
Great quote and yes, Kindness is so important, this world can’t get enough of it!!
I never knew that there was a debate about if Lao Tzo was a real person. I have liked many of his quotes! Interesting.
Today is also my son’s birthday which fits perfectly with World Kindness week, for he has had a big, kind heart since he’s been born. <3 🙂
Happy Monday, my friend!
Happy birthday to your son! May you both enjoy much kindness this week.
Thanks and same to you and Elsa! <3!
Kindness demands compassion, understanding and patience. Which is why it is in such short supply.
Sadly too many people can’t see past their faces to think of others. That or they can’t get past their handheld devices.
And sometimes both.
Sigh. You’re too right.
Amen to that! 🙏🏼❤️
💙 Thanks!
Thank you for sharing the video, Monika. I hope you find and give kindness all week.
We’re counting on doing just that. Hope your week is equally filled with loads of received kindness.
😊
Xcellent way to start THE week Miss Monika an Elsa…
If only all peepss wuud bee kind rite?
***nose rubss*** BellaDharma an (((hugss))) BellaSita Mum
Thank you. So glad you liked that. We can only hope more people in this world feel the same.
Couldn’t we have a kindness year, renewing each January 1st?
I’m in!
Mee-yow Miss Helen mee BellaDharma an BellaSita Mum agree 150% purr cent with you!!!!
💙
Kindness is hard to find nowadays. I was walking my dogs last week, and I saw a few Hispanic men and women taking a break for lunch, they work for a lawn mowing company, and a guy passing by in a car looked at them in such an angry way that it surprised me since this group of people were minding their business. When he realized that I had stopped and watched him do this he sped up and left. I’m Hispanic, and I don’t care where you are from because what many times people forget is that we are all human beings regardless of where we are from. Enjoy your week.
Oh gosh, that breaks my heart. People need to be reminded we are all the same inside no matter what color is on the outside. We love our families and want them to feel loved and safe. You’d think that’d transcend the color divide. No one be made to feel badly for their heritage. We all have so much to offer and hate has no place here. Hugs and tail wags to you.
Totally! Hugs and tail wags to you too.
You’re right that it’s a shame that it even has to be mentioned but this was a great post!
Thank you, Caren! We wish a week filled with gentle kindness. Happy Monday.
Here’s hoping you don’t have “that kind of week” but instead a kindness week at the Ranch!
Thank you, Mike. With the same wishes to all at Golden Kali.
we like the wisdom of this chinese philosopher… our favorite is the one with the river we watch to see our enemies :o) a wonderful week to the ranch..
Thank you. And to you and the Weims. Happy Monday.
We all need to be kind. So much hatred being spewed and mostly with politicians and the news media. So sad.
I linked this post to Awww Mondays as always.
Have a fabulous day and week filled with kindness. Big hug to you and lots of scritches to Elsa. ♥
Sadly there’s way too much of a shortage in kindness these days. Far too many people only think of themselves and how to benefit from their actions monetarily. Kindness is not selfish and self-serving.
Thank you for adding us to the Monday link. Your repeated kindness is always appreciated. May this week be filled with joyful kindness received from others which will be paid forward because that’s the way you roll. 💙
The world is missing kindness and respect for others. It starts with respecting and being kind to yourself and that is the root of the problem these days. Hopefully things can get back on track, but it won’t be easy.
Sadly I have to agree with that…not nearly enough kindness or respect. It will take a conscious effort on the part of humans. Don’t think they can AI this one. Sigh.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were every day? May your day (and week) be filled with kindness from others that I know you will pay forward cuz that’s who you are. Hugs and tail wags for a wagnificant week!
Kindness is definitely a gift, worth giving anytime at all.
Yes!! We wish everyone in the world felt that way-it could go a long way to fixing what’s wrong these days.
Have you ever seen Kindness 101 segments on CBS with Steve Hartman? Wonderful … you can find them on YouTube. Because I know you want to know, today is Sandwich Day and National Split Pea Soup Week … and November celebrates banana pudding, peanut butter, pomegranates, & Georgia pecans.
I have seen a few of those segments. Truly inspirational. Thanks for the update on November celebrations. Where would we be without peanut butter, pomegranates and pecans? Life is so much better with those. Umm…the split pea soup celebration…not nearly as much. LOL Happy Monday.
Just so happens I saw one this morning … Generosity …. fabulous!
Outstanding! That makes my heart very happy, especially with all that’s going on in this world. Thank you for making my morning!
The world needs more kindness!
It most definitely does. Happy Monday, Kate. Hope there’s much kindness in your week.
I just read it was World Kindness DAY. Now you say it’s WEEK. What do I say? I wish it were every day…. I’ll have to check out the video when I get home (not that I couldn’t watch it here, there’s not a soul in the office. It’s just that the volume is crap!)