To the editor:

Democrats versus Republicans. Whites versus blacks-browns. Terrorism and murders of Asian-Americans. In 2021, 800 murders per week. More than one mass shooting daily. President Joe Biden called it a national disgrace.

Kindness can play an important role in healing the divided nation and it can be cultivated.

Dalai Lama: “Be kind to others whenever possible. It is always possible.” Kindness includes compassion, sincere, friendly, generous, helpful to others and caring about others. Golden rule of kindness: treat others as you want them to treat you.

Dalai Lama: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.” Empathy is essential for inspiring kindness. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what the other person is saying or going through as if you are saying and going through. Empathy has dwindled in modern society as it more self-centered. Former President Barack Obama said that we have empathy deficit.

Simple acts of kindness can be incorporated in to your daily life:

– Start at home: Teach kindness to older children. If the baby in a crib is crying and mother is cooking, teach the older children to go to the crib for placing a pacifier in the mouth of the baby and starting a musical mobile to smooth the baby.

– School: Teach your children in school to be friendly, help those having difficulty with their school assignments, intervening when someone is being bullied, and inquiring about their family.

– Work: Helping others with their workload. Thanking others for their help.

– Helping a man in a wheelchair with his dog by saying that our dogs are friends and requesting his permission for taking the two dogs for a walk.

– Ask a homebound neighbor if you can purchase some items for him or her when you are going to a grocery store.

– Take some food for a living alone sick neighbor, friend or coworker.

– Volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen to assist homeless and those less fortunate.

– Talk with a grieving family, friend or a neighbor who have lost a loved one.

– Talk or send an e-mail to a friend who is celebrating a holy day, such as Christmas, Hanukkah or any other event.

– Socialize more with friends. Call them to inquire if they are interested in going to a restaurant or sporting event.

Society can cultivate more kindness by taking a combination of some of these tips.

Dr. Shakil Mohammed

Sanibel