I think the Rabbi has confused kindness with empathy, or maybe even guilt. Kindness isn't about one's discomfort, it's about one's actions. If you're merely uncomfortable when someone else is troubled, it doesn't necessarily mean you're kind. Lots of people are uncomfortable in the presence of another's pain, and act in an unkind manner because of their discomfort. Kindness is an outer thing, an active thing. It may be borne out of those feelings, but it is not those feelings alone. Inarguably, if you never take outward action, those feelings alone cannot be said to constitute kindness.
Furthermore (sorry, I was still thinking about it, and a new thought occurred to me), "the inability to remain at ease in the presence of another person who is ill at ease" is not at all a necessary ingredient for kindness. Indeed, if you remain at peace while another is anxious, you are not only more easily able to tap into that peace and channel it into kindness, you are also more likely to be helpful. If you became anxious at well, that would not be very calming or helpful; whereas if you remained present with love and peace you would be in a position to be more kind than you could ever be while anxious.
It's an incredible flaw of logic to say that kindness is being uncomfortable, when true kindness could only come from true inner peace, which is unaffected by outer circumstances.
Yes!! That is saying a mouthful!
Thanks, Nancy!
I think the Rabbi has confused kindness with empathy, or maybe even guilt. Kindness isn't about one's discomfort, it's about one's actions. If you're merely uncomfortable when someone else is troubled, it doesn't necessarily mean you're kind. Lots of people are uncomfortable in the presence of another's pain, and act in an unkind manner because of their discomfort. Kindness is an outer thing, an active thing. It may be borne out of those feelings, but it is not those feelings alone. Inarguably, if you never take outward action, those feelings alone cannot be said to constitute kindness.
Dear Christina,
Many thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking comment(s)!
All my best,
Hollye
Furthermore (sorry, I was still thinking about it, and a new thought occurred to me), "the inability to remain at ease in the presence of another person who is ill at ease" is not at all a necessary ingredient for kindness. Indeed, if you remain at peace while another is anxious, you are not only more easily able to tap into that peace and channel it into kindness, you are also more likely to be helpful. If you became anxious at well, that would not be very calming or helpful; whereas if you remained present with love and peace you would be in a position to be more kind than you could ever be while anxious.
It's an incredible flaw of logic to say that kindness is being uncomfortable, when true kindness could only come from true inner peace, which is unaffected by outer circumstances.
Beautifully said! Thank you!