When we are real, we are kind
For centuries now, from generation to generation, the idea has been confirmed that we are not good, we are not kind, by nature we are evil. Yes, even the sins of our forefathers are carried with us as a burden. The belief that we have a tendency to turn to evilness lies as a heavy load across our shoulders. Each time something goes wrong we are
confirmed in this opinion. How can it turn out alright when we are so convinced of this basic feeling and belief about ourself?
In our childhood years we have been taught by means of punishment or reward about what is good and what is evil. What we should and should not. Instead of teaching us to trust ourselves we have been taught to be afraid of the punishments, rejection being our due when not living up to expectations. We obeyed or disobeyed, either way the consequences were that we drifted away from ourselves. Since then we carry within us the admonishments of those who raised us, including the accompanying deity for life in the shape of an implanted conscience. With everything we do or neglect to do our educators look over our shoulders expressing their merciless judgement. Even when we do the right thing according to them, we are still pressed to remain modest and unassuming for we have learnt that ‘pride comes before the fall.’
The consequences of such belief are huge. We not only confirm ourselves in this, but confirm each other as well. It has become a part of our culture. We do not trust ourselves any more, neither do we trust those around us, those we live with, those we work with. Distrust has become our starting point, we call it ‘being realistic.’
Is it truly being realistic? What happens when we are once more confronted with children’s bodies washed up on the shore or with large hungry eyes? Are our feelings deadened or is there still something beneath the layer of
indifference, something that has to do with righteousness and mercy? Could this voice from deep down be our true nature, our natural kindness? How will it be when we listen to that voice instead of reasoning it away immediately using our so called common sense. Are we still able to let our feelings speak and use our sanity to shape this natural kindness?
More or less deep within us lies our natural kindness, our empathy, hidden and covered by a layer of ideas and beliefs that we were talked into. When we manage to live using our natural goodness as a home base, learning to live and trust once more, then we will still continue to meet others who have a different attitude. Is that a reason to be
unfaithful to our true nature? Instead of convincing them of the correctness of our thoughts we can remain quietly who we are and possibly do this together. ‘Improve the world and start with yourself!’
