• Practice generosity of the spirit. Take the time to smile at someone, to wish him or her well, to offer them a place in a line or a seat on the bus.
  • Make a conscious effort to let go of self-recriminations, and move forward with new resolve if you have broken a precept.
  • In the spirit of self-examination and adventure, fill in the blanks yourself in the statement, "If you want to be a rebel, ________________."

To practice: A generous spirit, self-forgiveness, and curiosity about taking risks are all aspects of the ethics of kindness. Choose one of these ideas to build into your life today.

— Sharon Salzberg in The Force of Kindness