Addendum to "Gaming"

I feel kind of dirty about the last post, so I thought I'd attach, or provide rather, an addendum. My mother, a woman I admire greatly, gave me a pretty sound piece of advice. She said, no matter what the situation, be kind to everyone. Even if you disagree with the person. Even if you feel hurt or disrespected. Do what's right/best for you...you don't have to bow down to the interests of others, but always be kind.

I like this. I like the word kind. It means so much more than the word "nice" or "polite" or even "friendly". Kindness is a manifestation of the soul. There is truth and sincerity in it. I think that this is what Gandhi meant when he said you have to be the change you want to see in the world. You've got to have conviction, to stand up for yourself and your cause, but part of that cause, I believe, should always be to imbue the world around you with love and compassion.

I am not saying that I am a master of this - or even good at it a lot of the time, but when everything else is stripped away, this balancing act, this spiritual ecosystem remains. If I fight fire with fire, if I allow those who wish to tear me down to succeed, I am forfeiting my opportunity to maintain this delicate equilibrium. The scale is tipped on the side of aggression and intimidation. If, however, I choose to react with compassion, equilibrium is reestablished.

I'm not saying that I'm all that important on a cosmic scale, but then we are all a part of it. You know, "Do not ask for whom the bell tolls..."

In conclusion, always remember that it's always funny to hug a grumpy person...and it's good for your karma too!

P.S. Great quote from the Dalai Lama concerning his generous attitude toward Chinese soldiers in Tibet: They've taken everything from us; should we allow them to take our minds too?