Gentleness means being kindly, tender and mild-tempered. I practice it by speaking and behaving in a pleasant, soothing, even-tempered manner. The opposite is harshness.§
Comparing the actions of one who is gentle to one who is harsh§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Gentleness§ |
Harshness§ |
In response to a friend’s annoying behavior, you…§ |
may become irritated but remain calm and do not react.§ |
become irritated and deliver a mean rebuke.§ |
In correcting a misbehaving younger sibling, you…§ |
speak calmly and kindly, without getting upset.§ |
tend to be rough on her and speak harshly.§ |
In training your dog to sit and stay, you…§ |
make corrections softly and persistently to good effect.§ |
severely pull his leash and issue strident commands.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “Just a little bit of kindness is so easy to express. Just a little bit of kindness heals the mind. And in this day and age, when so many are frustrated, troubled and need a little bit of help, appreciation and encouragement, your kindness can help.”§
“Very simply, ahimsa is abstaining from causing harm or injury. It is gentleness and noninjury, whether physical, mental or emotional. It is good to know that nonviolence speaks only to the most extreme forms of forceful wrongdoing, while ahimsa goes much deeper to prohibit even the subtle abuse and the simple hurt.”§
ASSIGNMENT: During these two weeks, focus on each incident when you are tempted to speak harsh or strident words. Find a gentle and kind way to respond.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF GENTLENESS: 
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