In a challenging world, it’s more important than ever to remember to treat each other with tenderness and compassion.
The 19th of January is Tenderness Toward Existence Day, a day for us to pause and reflect on how we can be more kind and understanding.
Let’s examine the Dalai Lama’s words and see why showing tenderness toward others is so important.
What is Tenderness Toward Existence Day?
Tenderness Toward Existence Day is a holiday created by Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh to celebrate the interconnectedness of all beings. It is observed on the full moon of the first month of the lunar calendar.
On Tenderness Toward Existence Day, people are encouraged to reflect on the interdependence of all beings and to practice compassion and understanding. The day is a time to cherish life and to show tenderness toward existence.
Origins of the Tenderness Toward Existence Day
The popular new holiday of Tenderness Toward Existence Day was created by Scott Dikkers, the founder of The Onion. Dikkers came up with the idea for the holiday after realizing that there was no day dedicated to celebrating humanity’s goodness. He decided that this needed to change, and thus Tenderness Toward Existence Day was born. This heartwarming holiday is celebrated annually on December 12th, and is a time for people all over the world to come together and celebrate our shared humanity. On this day, we reflect on all of the ways in which we are connected, and show compassion and kindness to those around us.
How to Celebrate Tenderness Toward Existence Day
There are many ways to celebrate Tenderness Toward Existence Day. Here are some suggestions:
1. Take a moment to appreciate the things in your life that bring you happiness and comfort. This could be anything from your favorite books and movies to your pets or the people in your life.
2. Make a point of being extra kind and compassionate to those around you, including strangers. Pay compliments, offer help, and just be generally nice!
3. Do something special for someone else, whether it’s making them breakfast in bed, giving them a heartfelt gift, or simply telling them how much they mean to you.
4. Take some time for yourself – relax, enjoy nature, get lost in a good book, take a nap…whatever will help you feel refreshed and recharged.
5. Have a positive outlook on life and focus on the good things happening around you – there’s always something to be grateful for!
Examples of Acts of Compassion and Tolerance
There are innumerable ways to express compassion and tolerance, both great and small. Here are just a few examples:
-Helping a neighbor in need, whether it’s shoveling their driveway in the winter or mowing their lawn in the summer
-Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food pantry
-Organizing or participating in a clothing or food drive for the homeless or less fortunate
– Donating blood at a blood drive
-Making an effort to get to know someone who is different from you, whether it’s someone of a different race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc.
-Listening with an open mind and heart when someone is sharing their story, without judgement or assumptions
-Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and sharing your own stories and experiences with others
-Practicing patience and understanding, even when things are tough or people are frustrating you
Benefits of Practicing Compassion and Tolerance
When we engage in compassionate and tolerant actions, we open ourselves up to a more positive way of living. We become more attuned to the needs of others and can better relate to their experiences. Additionally, research indicates that practicing compassion and tolerance can lead to increased well-being and happiness.
Compassion is about caring for others and wanting to see them happy and free from suffering. It’s an emotional response that arises when we see others going through tough times. And it’s not just a feeling – compassion motivates us to do something about another person’s pain.
Tolerance, on the other hand, is the ability to accept differences in people, even if we don’t agree with their beliefs or lifestyles. It doesn’t mean condoning bad behavior – rather, it allows us to see beyond someone’s faults or wrongdoings and focus on what we have in common as human beings.
Both compassion and tolerance are important qualities that we can all benefit from cultivating in our lives. When we respond to the world with compassion and tolerance, we create a more positive reality for everyone involved.
Quotes on Compassion and Tolerance
‘The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.’ – Dalai Lama
‘One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.’ – Helen Keller
‘Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.’ – Albert Schweitzer
‘A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.’ – Josh Billings
‘Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.’ – Oprah Winfrey
‘Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.’ – Robert G. Ingersoll
‘Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.’ – Albert Einstein
Tips for Cultivating Compassion and Tolerating Others
When we are feeling compassion, we are often feeling empathy and concern for others. Compassion is closely related to the feelings of love, tenderness, and caring. Tolerating others requires that we be patient with them, even if they do not meet our expectations. It can also require that we accept people and situations as they are, rather than trying to change them.
Here are some tips for cultivating compassion and tolerating others:
– Be mindful of your own thoughts and feelings, without judging yourself. This will help you be more aware of the thoughts and feelings of others.
– Try to see things from other people’s perspectives. Empathy is key to understanding how someone else is feeling.
– Listen to other people without interruption or judgement. Really hearing what someone has to say can help foster compassion.
– Practice patience and acceptance. Neither compassion nor tolerance require that you agree with someone or something, but they both involve biting silence recognizing that everyone has a right to their own opinion and experience.
Celebrating Tenderness Toward Existence Day allows us to pause and reflect on our own relationship with the natural world. Not only can we learn to be kinder towards ourselves, but it is also a great opportunity for discussion on how we can adjust our behavior patterns in order to help safeguard the planet for future generations. Whether you choose to spend time alone in nature or share conversations about the state of our environment with others, taking this day as a reminder that life is fragile and delicate will no doubt have lasting effects on your personal growth and appreciation of Mother Nature.
