Niceness: what a wonderful attribute! At first glance, it might seem commonplace. But, actually, the experience of niceness is so sweet and pleasant. It implies a respect and consideration for the recipient, and this is felt.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for bringing to the fore this virtue, that is imbued with an implicit kindness and goodness and can sweeten our days.
a devotee from Florida, USA
A number of years ago, I asked Gurumayi how I could be more welcoming of people. She said emphatically, "Just be nice."
It sounded so simple—"Just be nice."
But it turned out that learning to "just be nice" has been a long-term endeavor for me. Over time, through the support of the Siddha Yoga practices, especially contemplation, and guidance and encouragement from
sadhana buddies, I have made progress.
Now, what I notice more often in challenging situations is that I have a choice. I can choose to show my irritation to someone, or I can choose to let that go and focus on being nice. Even offering a little niceness can often dissolve my irritation and help me appreciate a person or situation that I was finding hard to appreciate. While I can still make a point to be true to myself and set appropriate limits as needed, I can also be nice while I do it.
I have been surprised to find out that being nice is not only more pleasant for everyone involved, but it works! Problems are much easier to solve, people are much easier to get along with, thinking well of myself is much easier to do—when I am nice.
How happy I am that Gurumayi has chosen niceness as the virtue for today. Now I know that being nice is actually a Siddha Yoga virtue!
a devotee from California, USA
At first I was surprised to see niceness among the virtues that Gurumayi is giving us. I'd never thought of niceness as a virtue! And now I see what a powerful virtue it is.
My experience is that when I am embracing niceness—showing courtesy and good will, caring for the comfort and well-being of others, welcoming and including others, thanking and acknowledging them—I am also giving these gifts to myself.
To me, niceness is taking responsibility for what I create within myself and put out into the world—not as an empty show, but as a way of practicing the precious teaching that Gurumayi gives us to see God in ourselves and others.
Niceness is a discipline. It requires patience and self-control. It anchors me in abundance and generosity. No matter what, I always have something to give—niceness. When I remember to pause before speaking, to add sweetness and poise to the moment, I create an atmosphere in which all the other virtues can naturally flourish.
Niceness is a red carpet that welcomes the divinity in all.
a Siddha Yoga Meditation Teacher
The moment that I read today's virtue, niceness, a feeling of gratitude rushed through me and I couldn't help but smile. It is not hard to recognize the value of niceness in our lives. When we experience it, it brightens the way we perceive the world around us. Niceness silences chattering thoughts, encouraging us to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the moment.
Seeing niceness as today's virtue led me to understand the word in a new way. The happiness that is caused by this virtue is not something that we must wait for someone or something to bring to us. Niceness lies within us. Perceiving ourselves, our environment, and our daily lives with the awareness of this virtue brings us to that bright, uplifted feeling in everything we do and with everyone that we encounter.
Contemplating this virtue helped me to understand that to recognize, to feel, and to share niceness is another way of reconnecting to the pure love that lies within us all.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
a devotee from Washington, USA