The Kindness of Ted Lasso

Responding In Kindness To Those Who May Not Deserve It

There is a reason why Ted Lasso captured the hearts of millions.

But first. If you are unfamiliar with Ted Lasso, it is a comedy on Apple+ about a college football coach, Ted Lasso, hired by an English football (soccer) team to be their head coach. The punchline- Ted Lasso does not know anything about English football. In an attempt to destroy her ex-husband's love and legacy, the current owner subversively hires a naive Ted Lasso to ruin the team.

Ted Lasso captured our hearts because of his kindness to those who did not deserve it. Whether it was to a backstabbing boss or to the jeers of the fans, he just kept returning kindness.

I know that sounds crazy. But it is shocking to see a character on a television series display such radical kindness these days in the face of opposition, hatred, and backstabbing. 

However, I believe that is why the show is so popular- We are desperate for kindness. When all we see every day is fighting back, retaliation, and getting the upper hand, there is something within us that deeply desires a better way of responding, of being. 

My neighbor, Ann Heimann, passed away last week from a spinal cord tumor just below her brain stem. She believed this burden made her more kind, caring, and compassionate toward others. Here is a portion of her deeply earned wisdom from her obituary.

"Even when it felt like someone wronged her or she was disappointed by another’s actions, she would come to reconcile that loss by realizing her expectations were greater than what that person could give. This realization provided Ann with a profound sense of understanding and deep peace. She learned it was easy to release any blame and find the return pathway to peaceful and loving relationships."

Question 

1. How can you practice radical kindness this week with those whom you believe do not deserve it?

Peace,

Brandon