Pagans: How many of you value kindness?

Question

In Wicca, which is a sub category of Paganism, balance and harmony with all things all highly valued. This would imply kindess and thus many Wiccans interpret it that way, though not all. I think being kind is very important and a strong part of my Pagan religioun. Of course one must be strong as well. One must make it understand that they will not take crap from others. But kindness should be given to those that deserve it. Would love to hear from other Pagans on this.

Nebtet: yah, so many people will also find gratitude irritating as well. Isn't that kind of the same thing as not valuing kindness? Isn't that exemplifying of our mainstream culture? You know there is kindness in the world..in other countries it is far more common than in North America

Hi Kaplah: Kindness having limits? Well by just letting people walk on you, that's not my idea of kindness. I think you have to be kind to yourself first as well as close family and friends. So maybe there is an interpretation problem. By Kind I do mean kindness but in a very strong way. I guess I should be more specific. However allowing others to take advantage of you is a personality disorder. It is not really kindess. Thanks for you comments. I think we have basicly the same ideas here.

Answer 1

In my tradition, "We believe in hospitality, truth, generosity, taking care of each other, wisdom, knowledge, eloquence, mercy, justice, and the duty of the strong to support the weak rather than prey upon them. No one is without innate worth, and treating others with respect is emphasized. Because we’re human, we don’t always live up to our ideals, but we feel it’s a more positive approach than enumerating a list of things that are forbidden."
http://paganachd.com/faq/ethics.html

Hospitality and treating others with respect is very important to me. Helping/giving to others is a joy. My religious practices are offertory in nature and I feel this creates a frame of mind to give to others in general (to be kind and less self-centered).

Answer 2

I agree with you completely, and I will do everything to avoid a fight, but if I have no other choice I will defend myself and my loved ones. I have responded rather forcefully to some questions on this forum, but I also try to point out that I once was just as judgmental as the individual asking the question. Although I will be kicking myself in the tail if I find my answer to be too aggressive. I have a physical handicap, so I know how cruel some people can be, but I try not to get violent as to avoid causing harm to another, as well as, to myself. I think if there were more people like you in this forum that spoke up it would help curb a lot of the angst on this particular topic.

Peace Out and Blessed Be to all
)O(
24 y.o. Pagan College Student

Answer 3

The idea of kindness is somewhat complicated because it means different things to different people. I follow a Neo-Hellenic path and I am thus bound by Philoxenia. This means, I must treat everyone like they were family. If they need a place to stay and I have it, I must offer it. If they are hungry and I have the means to do so, I must feed them. If they are sad, I must comfort them. However, there are limits. It is as much a crime to take extreme advantage of another's goodwill as it is to withhold hospitality. In the Odyssey, Odysseus killed all the suitors who were eating him out of house and home and the Gods smiled on him for it. Obviously I'm not going to kill an unwelcome houseguest, but I have the right to provide hospitality, charity and otherwise goodwill on my own terms.

For example. Whenever a homeless person ask me for money, I offer instead to share a meal with them (they get to choose the place). Sometimes they swear at me, in which case I determine that they don't really need my hospitality but are just trying to take advantage of my goodwill anyway and move along conscience clean. Sometimes they accept my offer and I feed them till they're full and encourage them to tell me their story if they wish it. One guy said, "Na, I don't want food, I need to buy a bottle, but I can show you a great restaurant." Which he did (My first time in Chicago) and I was then only too happy to fund his bottle, just because I loved his honesty and the stories he told me on the way to the restaurant.

I believe that kindness should have limits. Too much kindness encourages people to be weak and dependant, which isn't healthy for them or the people they are dependant on. It can also make you a victim. And allowing your actual blood family to suffer lack so that you can provide for strangers is as much a crime as any other reason that might cause you to allow your blood family to suffer lack. Balance is the key.

Answer 4

just a Heathen not a Pagan but i'll intrude anyway.

i think it's a kindness not to make a big point of being kind. i mean ... to be subtle with delivery so the folks receiving can receive comfortably, so they don't think they have to make a big show of gratitude.

just a thought.

Answer 5

I value kindness, and I try to be kind to people, but I dont let them walk all over me and use me. I try to help out people when I can but I make sure I still have what i need for my family.

Answer 6

kindness is important, and as valued as the other aspects of hospitality. Few, however, realize that kindness can actually be greater than all of the hospitality laws all together.

Answer 7

Our darkside is a natural part of the human spirit. It only comes out when we feel that we, or our loved ones are being threatened! Embrace your darkside and live in peace!
Blessed Be... ; )

Answer 8

I agree wholeheartedly--I try to be as kind as I can to everybody, but on those rare occasions when somebody just refuses to get along with me, I can raise hell on their butts literally!

Answer 9

kindness - as impotant as love