Showing posts with label kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kindness. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

CARE VERSUS NEGLECT







'C' is for care

I’ll here touch upon two opposite concepts, which are in fact, choices before us to determine the course of our lives. These are, care versus neglect.

The notion of opposites is unmistakably woven in the tapestry of our lives. One exists because of the other.

Care is such a sweet and inspiring concept. It encompasses in its semantic fold plethora of positive emotions. The concept of care is inextricably linked to our existence as social beings. It entails spontaneity of action in the expression of love, compassion, regard and a sense of responsibility towards our dear ones, our friends and society in general. It promotes and enriches the gift of life and stands for love for humanity. It is the cornerstone for the success of our short odyssey on this earth. Care is a magical concept if genuine and lubricates the wheels of human relationships.
The idea of care makes or mars romantic love. The articulation of the phrase ‘I care for you’ opens the door for the deluge of feel good emotions. The starry-eyed soars on cloud nine. It means you matter; your well-being is of utmost importance to the other. Your self-esteem, confidence and love of life increases tenfold. It affirms life as a  unique blessing

Care is therapeutic too. Long back, when my loving parents were alive, we’d visit them often. On one visit, as we stepped on the verandah, I could see through the net door, dear father lying on the bed and my mother tending to him.  Unfortunately, dad had a nasty fall and badly bruised his elbow and knee and mom was trying to dress his wounds. He looked shaken. For a second, he gazed at me with the distinctive emotion of his, which he had reserved for his daughter. It was like a soothing electric current. I understood and took over the task from mom. Tenderly and uttering soothing nothings, I cleaned and dressed slightly oozing abrasions and instantly he regained his usual welcoming, frame of mind. My little act of true concern helped in lifting his spirits and he recovered soon thereafter.

On the other hand, its complete opposite is the negative emotion of neglect, utter disregard for others, complete selfishness, never imagining oneself being in other's shoes, indifference and disinterestedness in general. It is an undesirable emotion, which only generates unhealthy vibes. The company of such a person is never welcome, and is rather avoided. Such people’s fragile egos don’t acknowledge or recognize others’ contribution to their success stories. They’re self-centered. Their armor is the show of self-righteousness. Either they practice torture of silence or nonstop monologue.

Carelessness has many harmful ramifications in the smooth flow of our social ties. It is no virtue. It is a hurtful trait to have, in whatever capacity or circumstance you live your life.

Old people if ignored by their children go into depression and never recover as they lose the will to live. Just imagine the fate of children neglected by their parents. They fall into bad company, lag behind in studies, start making excuses to escape punishment and soon degenerate into self-destruct. They self-deny the life enhancing attributes, which boost our confidence level to face challenges boldly.

Let’s remind ourselves time and again that qualities of care and kindness go a long way in easing out the bumps of life. These facilitate our taking the right route towards a more purposeful  sojourn here.


 linked to ABC Wednesday                   TWO-SHOES-TUESDAYl  WORDLESS WEDNESDAY


Friends,welcome here as always!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

CARING IS LOVING



 C is for 'Care'.

The sweet word ‘Care’ encompasses a plethora of human emotions in its tiny belly. It expresses itself in many grammatical forms viz. care, caring, careful, and in the phrase ‘care giver’. However, there is one thing in common in all of them. All revolve around the feelings of love, compassion, sympathy, empathy, affection, kindness, concern and regard for others. In short, all that promotes growth, goodwill and beliefs for leading a meaningful life.

Let’s explore its semantic contours to understand this deeply inspiring concept of life. Caring is like practicing yoga, balancing mind and body in an optimum healthy state.

Well, caring for the sick, elderly and the needy in the family circle is challenging but no less a rewarding task. A smile, a pat and a few words of blessings, is all that matters. Looking after their particular needs in terms of their age, medical needs and emotional health require magnanimity and genuine resolves. Performing this familial responsibility entails tolerance, loads of patience, understanding and above all endearing qualities. The ethics behind all these gestures is serving others. This in itself is ennobling.

Caring for the children comes naturally to us parents. We expend much energy, time and money in educating them, enabling them to stand on their feet. We try to inculcate in them life values to steer their lives in the right direction. Without the care, concern, and dedication of parents’ guardians and teachers in the formative years, the human child would be devastated by the harsh and hard realities of the real world.  Children to grow need loving care, encouragement, discipline and constant monitoring.  The responsibility to make them grow into healthy and responsible citizens, who can contribute to nation building rests with us.  It is all a part of our commitment to ensure that our children are well prepared for facing future challenges of life without being overawed.

As a family we take care of our spouses and work for building healthy, secure relationships based on care, concern, flexibility, sharing   and loving understanding of each other’s needs. This is how love grows and stays for ever.

We shower lots of love and care on our pets and regard them as members of the family. Even pets care for us and become our emotional anchors. The bond between man and animal is eternal.

As members of society, we need to care for sustaining a safe environment for all to reach their potential without the fear of dangers lurking here and there. If each one of us is aware, conscientious, caring, regarding others’ well being, then surely we will be concerned with menaces proliferating around us. We need to make concerted efforts jointly to overcome them.

There are still many pockets in the global community where members swear by love and compassion towards others. As they say, 'caring is loving'.

Friends, thanks for your views on the subject in advance.

image courtesy: Google