Our spiritual DNA – ‘Kindness’

Learning to be kind to oneself is a very deep and important aspect of our spiritual journey. Kindness begins not with others, but with the self. Many of us move through life feeling not good enough, unlovable, or constantly striving to meet the expectations of others.

In this silent struggle, we often forget to extend compassion to our own hearts. Yet self-kindness is not selfish; it is healing. It softens our inner wounds, restores balance, and opens the door to true spiritual growth.

Once we understand the dynamics and importance of self-compassion, it makes us stronger, more independent, and opens our hearts. The ancient words – “know thyself” – carry a timeless truth. When we recognise that we are spiritual beings, not merely physical forms, we begin to see that love is our very essence. It is our spiritual DNA. To be kind to ourselves is to honour the love that already resides within us.

WHAT IS COMPASSION?

The word compassion means “to suffer with.” It does not mean drowning in sorrow, but understanding our relationship with pain. Life brings moments of challenge, and in these times, our response to the pain shapes our inner strength.

Self-compassion has three elements:

Mindfulness – Gently noticing our pain without judgement. We must feel it to heal it.

Healing humanity – Realising we are never alone in our struggles; what we experience is shared by countless others, thus, if we shape our responses wisely, we heal humanity.

Self-kindness – Speaking to the wounded self with the same gentleness as we would offer to our loved ones.

LIGHT THE LIGHT WITHIN

Many of us are unskilled at kindness toward ourselves because modern life keeps us restless and imbalanced. Stress and hyperactivity release chemicals that feed fear and anxiety. What the spirit longs for, however, is stillness – where gentleness and calmness can flow.

Meditation offers this sacred space. By turning inward, we connect to the soul and to the Universal Source of love. In that silence, our thoughts slow, our hearts soften, and we experience the healing energies of peace and love. From this state, compassion naturally arises – not as effort, but as a reflection of our true nature.

RETURNING TO THE SOURCE

To practice self-kindness is to return to who we truly are – beings of love, peace, and light. Kindness to the self is not about avoiding life’s storms but learning to walk through them with courage and grace. When we are gentle with ourselves, we awaken the strength to be gentle with the world. Kindness begins in the quiet heart that learns to love itself wholeheartedly.

“When the sunshine of loving kindness meets the tears of suffering, the rainbow of compassion arises.”

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.