the fundamental elements of kindness part two

The next element of kindness that can be practiced by human beings is GENEROSITY OF CONDUCT.

Conduct, of course, is the way we act and interact.   The way we respond, the way we move to address the needs of others.

The way we conduct ourselves.  Generosity is, essentially, giving more than is required of us...liberality in giving.

I think, as it pertains to our relationships, to practice kindness means to give more of ourselves than required.  Generous in patience, in listening, in attending, in being with the other. Generosity giving the benefit of the doubt, and assuming the best of the other.

Gift of self without grudge toward the other.  Now ain't that a concept.

Generosity of conduct is bigness of heart.  As it's always a fun exercise to imagine our death-bed inner conversations particularly around the topic of regrets, how about this one:

I wish I had not given so much of myself.  

I wish I complained more.  

I wish I resented more.  

I have a hard time imagining having that conversation with myself.  Firstly, because I do resent and complain and hold back.  So it would be difficult to regret something I'm doing all the time.   

And secondly because it's stupid.  

It begs the question, "why is it so stinking hard to be generous of conduct in the moment?"  I know the answer.  It's because all the people are so annoying.  If all the people were considerate enough to stop being so annoying, my relationship challenges would plummet.

But that isn't going to happen, and if it did, I would be lonely.  Lack of annoyance would mean they weren't around.  That's all.

And so, I'm forced to write these blog posts to remind myself of my ideals.  Thanks for listening.