HeartSGBlogs: Gentleness


Gentleness is the softness of manners, mildness of temper, sweetness of disposition, and meekness.







Gentleness has always been associated with being weak and fragile; hence this trait is usually kept hidden.
People with a gentle disposition have always been deemed as an easy prey for predators. They are often associated with identities that no one wants, the “bullied”, the “victim”, the “naïve”, etc.

We hide this gentleness because we want to protect ourselves from the cruel world. We were always told not to show our tears, our weaknesses, our scars because we never know when it might be used as a deadly weapon by others to hurt us.


Showing a façade, of always showing your strong side, your happy side, being self-confident
Building an armor, of being fierce, domineering, being the bully, being the perpetrator

Are you really happy, do you have the confidence to maintain it, do you feel yourself?

Although putting on a strong persona allows you to guard yourself and protect yourself from dangers, it is only ultimately a mask, and you will feel exhausted, sad, negative, depressed and lost to maintain it.


Gentleness is the sources of humanity the one that connects, sustains and makes you feel belonged, accepted and loved. We all need it, and we should start a society that embraces gentleness instead of hiding it. Join us in the mission to make the society a gentler one.

3 acts of gentleness

Being gentle with yourself


Embrace your imperfections and focus on your talents and strengths.  Some simple acts to be gentler with you include, giving yourself daily positive encouragements and affirmations’, telling yourself it is alright to fail or make mistakes or spending 5 minutes enjoying being alone with yourself.

Being gentle with those surrounding you


Accept your loved ones for who they are and forgive them in disagreements, conflicts or fights. Some simple acts to learn to the gentler to those surrounding you include remaining calm and giving in in times of arguments,  showing more concern by paying attention to the minor details, or being more patient. 

Being gentle to your community


Help and show appreciation to strangers. Some simple acts of being gentler to your community include smiling or greeting another, saying please or thank you when buying your morning coffee, or sharing your table during the peak hour.  


Gentleness cannot be developed overnight, it may be hard at the beginning but it can be trained and learnt over time. Practice makes perfect. The more gentle acts you do, you not only have the grace of nurturing the softer side of yourself but to those around you and the community as well.

Imagine a community where gentleness is cherished upon. I am sure it will be a happier one, filled with laughter, peace and joy.

"Having the simplest gentleness, create Legends"