When times are difficult, I reach for kindness. When life is confusing, I reach for kindness. When all feels uncertain, I reach for kindness.
Sharon Salzberg from her new course, Kindness in a Fractured World
Kindness has been on my mind. There are many conversations going on about the disappearance of simple civil respect in every manner of discourse. Gentle and kind are making a comeback. There is even a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website.
The other day I was coming out of my post office. An attractive much younger woman was climbing the steps to enter. I stood smiling holding the door open waiting for her. Surprised she said, “You didn’t have to do that!” I thought, “Yes. I did.”
She seemed pleased and thanked me. Our eyes met. In that moment I felt the impact of a value a former business coach taught me called “doing unstoppable good” as a mission. Feeling the warmth of that kindness showed me the effect of unstoppable good. Her genuine delight gave us both a delicious feel-good moment.
Both kindness and mindfully slowing down to implement it are how I want to suggest we consider random acts of kindness. The results demonstrate what is called the giving-receiving loop. Case in point; at an recent event for an organization I support, I won the cash raffle. I handed it back to contribute to the organization to the President’s surprise. Her grateful delight was my prize.
I have made a practice of doing little intentional kindnesses every day. Letting someone in front of me at the grocery store. Letting cars get in front of me in backed up traffic exits. Leaving my pennies and nickels behind for the next customer. Tipping a little more generously.
Then there are flowers and chocolates. They can still bring unexpected joy and heart felt warmth. It’s the intentional small kind mindful things we say and do that can change us and those around us one person at a time.
When people ask the Dalia Lama, “Is Buddhism a religion?” he answers, “Yes, it is.” Then they ask what kind of religion. He responds, “My religion is kindness.”
Today’s Prescription:
I will intentionally practice a random act of kindness each day
I will experience the joy, happiness, and loving-kindness
it brings to me and others.