VICTOR KANNAN explores the nature of gentleness, and why it brings lightness in its wake.
The other day I was wondering why the word “gentle” is used often in Heartfulness practices. “Please close your eyes very gently and very softly.” With these words begins the guided Relaxation practice. The guided Cleaning says, “Gently brush the impressions aside.” And many of the other practices guide us to gently do this and that.
Adopting gentleness prevents scratches on the surface of action, whether we are cleaning the floor or a table, speaking with people, or cooking and cleaning. Gentleness in everything. Gentle people seem to have mastered the art of awareness, empathy, compassion, and grace.
Gentleness is not to be confused with lack of strength.
It is like the strength of
flexibility.
Being gentle is not to be confused with lack of courage.
It is like patience and
courage itself.
Gentleness is not to be confused with lack of strength. It is like the strength of flexibility. Being gentle is not to be confused with lack of courage. It is like patience and courage itself. Mahatma Gandhi says, “Be truthful, gentle, and fearless.” Developing gentleness is an art of a skill in real being.
“They say that at the last day there will be judgments,
and that our dear
Friend [God] will be in anger.
But from pure goodness only goodness emanates.
Be then without fear,
for finally
you will see that He is full of gentleness.”
—Omar Khayyam
Life can be beautiful, but living is challenging. If we live consciously, we make a chosen destiny. We can be strong or weak, we can be gentle. We may make mistakes, but we can become gentle by introspection. We may misspeak, which we can correct with gentleness. We can be gentle in our movement, conversation, communication, and consumption. Yes, consumption. Zero waste is impractical. But gentleness in consumption will minimize waste, save the planet, and feed the hungry.
Life
can be beautiful,
but living is challenging.
If we live
consciously,
we make a chosen destiny.
Gentle does not know hurry, it moves swiftly.
Gentle does not rattle, it speaks clearly.
Gentle does not
fear or panic, it pauses.
Gentle is not heavy, but light!
Be gentle is to travel light in the journey of
life.
Illustrations by ARATI SHEDDE
Victor Kannan
