So often small acts of kindness brighten up someones world; the patience of generous people to not loose hope; Kindness, a kind word, a smile, someones embrace and compassion when in despair lights up the heart so easily even in dark times, which both has been wittnessed and experienced often with deep gratitude.
Wickdord, RI has an annual event called the “Witches Paddle” . Yes it is Witches dressed up in costume on paddling boards in Wickford Harbor .
Well the event raised $10,000 this year and the donation was made to the local food pantry!! This makes me very happy!
My ancient Honda hatchback could haul just about anything . . .
even more than my husband’s adventure mobile,
which was an old Izuzu Trooper.
We called it the Adventure Mobile
because it was an adventure seeing if we could make it to any given destination
without breaking down.
When we bought our little Shangrila out in the country,
our first Christmas gift to ourselves
was a small freezer to put in the cellar
We found one at Lowes that we could afford,
about ten miles from home,
but unfortunately
it did not fit in either of our vehicles.
Standing at the loading platform at the store
we pondered what to do,
when another couple came out
and loaded a big, fancy outdoor grill
into the back of their GMC pick-up,
one of those super-sized ones that can climb mountains.
The man of the pair paused
and took off his stylized baseball hat
and looked over at us,
quickly realizing we were having a situation,
and asked us where we lived.
Then,
without any hesitation
he offered to drive our freezer to our house.
He and his partner were headed north,
up near Albany,
but thought nothing of going out of their way
to help us out,
which they did.
We shared a short conversation when we unloaded the freezer behind our house,
but wouldn’t take any money for the favor.
I told him we’d be putting them on our Christmas card list
and we all laughed . . .
we never saw them again.
That kindness helped us more than he knew,
as money was tight,
and we really couldn’t afford to pay a moving company to deliver that freezer.
Of course they never gave me their address,
but I think of that couple
and offer up a few words of thanks
every time I open it up,
looking for frozen vegetables from our garden. ♥
This couple’s gift of kindness
had meant so very much to me,
and given me hope and inspiration
that I might be able to pay it forward,
dear Joseph. ♥
And yes,
it reminded me
that kindness
exists in all walks of life.
A neighbor called to tell me that their dog had been in the back yard with a kitten in his mouth. The kitten had escaped and was in their front yard under their car. I knew that I needed to take the kitten to the Humane Society right away and was wondering if the kitten would allow me to pick it up. Then along comes a kind animal loving neighbor blissfully on a walk with her two dachshunds. I told her what had happened to the kitten and that I wanted to take it to the Humane Society where the kitten could be seen by a veterinarian at their clinic. Very concerned, she (Joan) accompanied me to the Humane Society, holding the kitten as I drove. Joan was able to get the kitten to drink, eat, and liven up as I drove. We left the kitten with the humane society, and I am hopeful that she recovered. Joan was like an angel to me that day. I am forever grateful to her for making what seemed like a daunting situation go smoothly. Thank you Joan.
I have been making an effort to compliment people out loud rather than just admiring them in my head. When I was coming out of Sam’s Club yesterday, there was a woman in the parking lot who had on this gorgeous outfit – a little shiny, a lot of character, and a nice hat to top it off. I told her that I loved her look, and she lit up with a smile. It sparked a short conversation, and when we were parting ways, she told me that I made her day and sent me off with blessings. You never know what a small act – or compliment – can do for someone.
Our yoga studio is in a big building connected to a hotel with 2 restaurants and another restaurant next door to them… I went to take the trash out this morning, and a lady from the hotel’s housekeeping was in the elevator. We said hi to each other and then she gave me a really sweet compliment. It made my morning better than it already was 💜
I do the same, Sunnypatti. A long time ago I read the advice that we shouldn’t compliment people on things they inherited, like pretty eyes–they didn’t have a choice (and in any case we shouldn’t be commenting on other people’s bodies). Compliment them on their style, home, art selection–something that shows you admire their taste or their choices. Last week I got three compliments in one day from strangers on my beautiful earrings and every one of those compliments made me smile! An older woman sitting behind me on the bus, the gate agent as I went to get on the plane, the waitress at dinner, all made my day.
I’m with you on complimenting someone on things they make choices about. And I bet your earrings were gorgeous! I am a big earring lover and always notice others’ as well 🙂
My husband uses a wheelchair. When we are out in public, strangers are almost always kind to us and hold the door for us etc. It restores my faith in humanity.
I was traveling alone one time, no money to spare. I found myself staring through a fence at an ancient site whose paltry admission I couldn’t afford. A woman came up to me and I told her I couldn’t afford admission. Without hesitation, she gave me the money to get in and enjoy the site. The moment sticks with me because I felt ashamed that I couldn’t afford such a small fee, and she didn’t judge me at all. I try to pay forward what she did whenever I can.
I witnessed it yesterday as we celebrated my husband’s physical life. MANY people came. It really was incredible. J. just lived day by day. He (and) I have not won a lottery, did heroic acts to have us on a front page, changed the world with a publication, or contributed many dollars to a charity. As he said in a poem, “I let my light shine everyday. And if we all do that the world will be brilliant.”
I am so pleased,
dear Yram,
that you now know
that there were many people who loved your husband
and came out to support you.
I think
that indeed
he let his light shine every day. ♥
I am so glad to hear that your husband’s celebration of life was well attended and that you felt much kindness. It sounds like he was a special person! I would love to see the rest of his poem sometime.
I often believe that I don’t matter, that I shouldn’t take up space. But whenever someone (family, friend, loved one, stranger) does something out of the blue for me, I feel so touched. Whether it was a unexpected text or receiving a compliment or holding the door open, I get such a warm feeling. You saw me, you thought of me? I can’t help but feel so grateful for all acts of kindness, big or small. 🌟💛🙏🏽
When have I experienced or witnessed a small act of kindness making a powerful difference?
Small act of kindness was from my helper ( the mediation guides are called helpers ) the other night after guiding his literally the whole day he got on zoom and held my hand through a dark night of the soul. When he go deep deep into the human mind in order to let everything go this is where we go together and let go! I could absolutely not do this alone! Thank god that there are over 350 centers around the world doing this- letting go/ surrendering. The helpers are invaluable and are gods angels holding our hands. Anyway, my helpers is a godsend. I don’t what I would have done without him. I have been able to go to to the places that truly scare me and I have always ran away from . I’m good at “being busy “ when in fact my busyness had been a form of laziness- of avoiding facing this false self . My pride also has been a huge burden. Now because of the kindness of my helper who sat with me long into the night I came out the other side . I’m so grateful for Michael. Thank you universe for sending him to me I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be with me. Thank you so much . He asks noting of me and keeps giving of himself to others tirelessly. He goes me hope and inspiration. Thank you for the question today to reflect back on this amazing gift of life and becoming truth in this very lifetime. 💓
When have I experienced or witnessed a small act of kindness making a powerful difference?
Small act of kindness was from my helper ( the mediation guides are called helpers ) the other night after guiding literally the whole day, he got on zoom and held my hand through a dark night of the soul. When he go deep deep into the human mind in order to let everything go this is where we go together and let go! I could absolutely not do this alone! Thank god that there are over 350 centers around the world doing this- letting go/ surrendering. The helpers are invaluable and are gods angels holding our hands. Anyway, my helpers is a godsend. I don’t what I would have done without him. I have been able to go to to the places that truly scare me and I have always ran away from . I’m good at “being busy “ when in fact my busyness had been a form of laziness- of avoiding facing this false self . My pride also has been a huge burden. Now because of the kindness of my helper who sat with me long into the night I came out the other side . I’m so grateful for Michael. Thank you universe for sending him to me I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be with me. Thank you so much . He asks noting of me and keeps giving of himself to others tirelessly. He goes me hope and inspiration. Thank you for the question today to reflect back on this amazing gift of life and becoming truth in this very lifetime. 💓
He’s written many books about this method and we all have the exact same method. Are you in the USA? I have been to the center in San Diego, Virgina Arlington as well . Otherwise I have been to Berlin, Stockholm, London, Venna and Korea !
His name is Woo Myung
His books are for example: ( to name just a few)
Mind
The Book of Wisdom
The Living Eternal World
There are videos made for this meditation about Truth cling directly from the teachings- meaning not paraphrasing. I can leave a link here .
This is one video of many on this channel on YouTube- https://youtu.be/I6oNuvsu134?si=p3Vz7eqMF568SJmf
I witness it every day through the kindness of my neighbors. One of my young and strong neighbors will stop by after work today to move my potted plants in the garage before a hard freeze expected this weekend. Yesterday, one of my elderly neighbors and I prayed together. Our beliefs are not the same but we seldom meet without the meeting ending in a mutual prayer. I read the following quote this morning. It is featured in Richard Rohr’s morning meditation today. Thich Nhat Hanh has said: “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now…. It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.” As expressed in the Aramaic version of the Beatitudes. The right and ripe time is always NOW. Amen
What wonderful neighbors, Carol Ann. Also, I appreciate hearing about the prayers that you do with a neighbor, even though you don’t have the same beliefs. Divergent beliefs can seem like “everything” but they’re really not.
Drea, I know all that too well as a Buddhist Christian. I’ve picked up on the openness of the buddhist side and the firmness of the Christian side. Adaptability and detachment are the pillers in buddhism while love and forgiveness are the pillers in Christianity.
Witnessing small acts of kindness, changed my life. The thing you have to keep in mind, is that those small acts can require bravery. To be the first one to extend a hand. To be able to show vulnerability. To expose yourself to a certain extent. Even a small act of kindness is not such a small thing. It can and does change lives. We must remember this.
I agree, Charlie. Like I said yesterday, the little things are not so little. This whole thing about kindness needing to be visable is a myth. Many Asian and collective cultures place a strong premium on visibility. The inner world is just new for them. Ultimately, it all boils down to us knowing ourselves.
For example, I show kindness differently from my culture. If I told a standard older Vietnamese adult that I show kindness by participating on the grateful living community sharing my thoughts and commenting on other members, they’d look at me funny and see me as seeking recognition and validation. It’s believed that we just do it without expecting nothing in return. I see the thinking. It prevents string-pulling, agendas, and personal gain.
On the other hand, I stand firmly on my position that mental health and emotional well-being are crucial. It all starts and ends with the mind. If the mind messes up, the whole system shuts down.
With that being said, I show heart in a unique innovative way. One thing for certain is that I’ve always come here since the beginning without personal gain and Ngoc knows all that too well. My comments can, will continue to, and has made a difference too. I stated all this to debunked myths and of course, relevancy as usual, when you talked about small acts and vulnerability.
Charlie- I wrote a response and it seems to have disappeared. I will post it again and maybe the old one will eventually reappear as well? At any rate, thanks for sharing. And I wanted to let you know how potent I found your answer from a few days ago to be to “What to I love most about being alive?” That short list of words included kindness. I have memorized the list and have recited it a few times already when I have been in mildly depressed moods: “ I love serendipity, connection, beauty, and kindness.”
Thank you for sharing, Charlie. And I wanted to let you know that your sharing from a few days ago about “what do I love most about being alive?” really hit the mark for me. It was such a potent list of words (including kindness). I memorized it and have recited it a few times already when I have been in mildly depressed moods: ” I love serendipity, connection, beauty, and kindness.”
Charlie, Thanks for your wise words. I pulled this quote about vulnerability from my 2021 journal to share with you.
The Power of Vulnerability
“We have spent so much of our lives cultivating a pretense of strength but redemption isn’t found in strength. It is found in weakness – the very thing we have dreaded and denied. True, being vulnerable is terrifying but without it, we could never have the love we all yearn for. After I lost my first son, I did some writing about anguish and grace and at one point I asked, “What does it mean to be part of an authentic community where we are able to be real rather than phony, deep rather than shallow, stimulating rather than boring, full rather than empty? What does it mean to take off our masks and shed the pretense of invincibility or flawlessness and confess our weaknesses to others in an atmosphere of grace? By baring our souls, we encourage other authentic, healthy people to do the same. We create a culture of humility and grace where it is safe to be broken and honest and human. This is why our inadequacies are so full of splendor. They teach us the value of humility, forgiveness and grace. Without these things, we wouldn’t even know where to begin our search for anything deep. The most desirable trait that any of us could ever have is a broken and contrite heart. It is what makes flawed people so beautiful. It is also why we are called, “Beloved” by the Lover of our souls.”
Will Kautz May 13 2018 Posted on a FACEBOOK Richard Rohr Discussion Group Aug 21 2021
What you have written here,
dear Carol Ann,
is so potent and powerful . . .
it was almost like being struck
when I read it.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you . . .♥
”Even a small act of kindness is not such a small thing.”
The ‘small’ things
are not really small at all.
Thank you for bringing this to the table,
dear Charlie. ♥
I didn’t witness it myself, but I heard from my mom that our kind neighbor places a beautifully designed bowl filled with clean water in her front yard so that dogs passing by can have some water to quench their thirst. This small act of kindness means a lot to me, as I’m a dog-and-cat person. Not only that, it also sends a message to our Vietnamese community that kindness should be extended to both humans and animals. May everyone have a wonderful day. 🌹
At one of the neighborhoods we walk in, there’s a home with a water fountain and dog dish in front of their house next to the sidewalk. Our dogs know exactly where it is and love stopping for a drink. It is so appreciated and such a nice thing to do for the community.
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So often small acts of kindness brighten up someones world; the patience of generous people to not loose hope; Kindness, a kind word, a smile, someones embrace and compassion when in despair lights up the heart so easily even in dark times, which both has been wittnessed and experienced often with deep gratitude.
Wickdord, RI has an annual event called the “Witches Paddle” . Yes it is Witches dressed up in costume on paddling boards in Wickford Harbor .
Well the event raised $10,000 this year and the donation was made to the local food pantry!! This makes me very happy!
It makes me happy to hear about this! What fun!
My ancient Honda hatchback could haul just about anything . . .
even more than my husband’s adventure mobile,
which was an old Izuzu Trooper.
We called it the Adventure Mobile
because it was an adventure seeing if we could make it to any given destination
without breaking down.
When we bought our little Shangrila out in the country,
our first Christmas gift to ourselves
was a small freezer to put in the cellar
We found one at Lowes that we could afford,
about ten miles from home,
but unfortunately
it did not fit in either of our vehicles.
Standing at the loading platform at the store
we pondered what to do,
when another couple came out
and loaded a big, fancy outdoor grill
into the back of their GMC pick-up,
one of those super-sized ones that can climb mountains.
The man of the pair paused
and took off his stylized baseball hat
and looked over at us,
quickly realizing we were having a situation,
and asked us where we lived.
Then,
without any hesitation
he offered to drive our freezer to our house.
He and his partner were headed north,
up near Albany,
but thought nothing of going out of their way
to help us out,
which they did.
We shared a short conversation when we unloaded the freezer behind our house,
but wouldn’t take any money for the favor.
I told him we’d be putting them on our Christmas card list
and we all laughed . . .
we never saw them again.
That kindness helped us more than he knew,
as money was tight,
and we really couldn’t afford to pay a moving company to deliver that freezer.
Of course they never gave me their address,
but I think of that couple
and offer up a few words of thanks
every time I open it up,
looking for frozen vegetables from our garden. ♥
This is so nice. I’m heartened about strangers to hear this happened.
What a sweet story of genuine kindness. I love that there are still so many good people in this world.
Me too,
dear SunnyPatti . . . ♥
A recipient of kindness. Always a nice reminder of the collective goodness of humankind, dear Sparrow. Thank you.
This couple’s gift of kindness
had meant so very much to me,
and given me hope and inspiration
that I might be able to pay it forward,
dear Joseph. ♥
And yes,
it reminded me
that kindness
exists in all walks of life.
Oh I love this!! Awesome
It was awesome,
dear Robin Ann . . .
I never expect this sort of kindness
to be offered to me. ♥
I and a friend are planning a trip. My friend offered to call her travel planner to make our arrangements easier for me.
A neighbor called to tell me that their dog had been in the back yard with a kitten in his mouth. The kitten had escaped and was in their front yard under their car. I knew that I needed to take the kitten to the Humane Society right away and was wondering if the kitten would allow me to pick it up. Then along comes a kind animal loving neighbor blissfully on a walk with her two dachshunds. I told her what had happened to the kitten and that I wanted to take it to the Humane Society where the kitten could be seen by a veterinarian at their clinic. Very concerned, she (Joan) accompanied me to the Humane Society, holding the kitten as I drove. Joan was able to get the kitten to drink, eat, and liven up as I drove. We left the kitten with the humane society, and I am hopeful that she recovered. Joan was like an angel to me that day. I am forever grateful to her for making what seemed like a daunting situation go smoothly. Thank you Joan.
This is so sweet! I hope the kitten is in a loving new home now.
A very fortunate kitten, Mary. Thanks to all involved.
I love this Mary, thanks for sharing 💕
Oh,
what a dear and sweet gesture,
dear Mary. ♥
I have been making an effort to compliment people out loud rather than just admiring them in my head. When I was coming out of Sam’s Club yesterday, there was a woman in the parking lot who had on this gorgeous outfit – a little shiny, a lot of character, and a nice hat to top it off. I told her that I loved her look, and she lit up with a smile. It sparked a short conversation, and when we were parting ways, she told me that I made her day and sent me off with blessings. You never know what a small act – or compliment – can do for someone.
Our yoga studio is in a big building connected to a hotel with 2 restaurants and another restaurant next door to them… I went to take the trash out this morning, and a lady from the hotel’s housekeeping was in the elevator. We said hi to each other and then she gave me a really sweet compliment. It made my morning better than it already was 💜
So true, SunnyPatti!
I love this SunnyPatti, awesome!
Someone did that to me yesterday,
dear SunnyPatti,
and indeed,
it made my day too. 🙂
I do the same, Sunnypatti. A long time ago I read the advice that we shouldn’t compliment people on things they inherited, like pretty eyes–they didn’t have a choice (and in any case we shouldn’t be commenting on other people’s bodies). Compliment them on their style, home, art selection–something that shows you admire their taste or their choices. Last week I got three compliments in one day from strangers on my beautiful earrings and every one of those compliments made me smile! An older woman sitting behind me on the bus, the gate agent as I went to get on the plane, the waitress at dinner, all made my day.
I’m with you on complimenting someone on things they make choices about. And I bet your earrings were gorgeous! I am a big earring lover and always notice others’ as well 🙂
me too
My husband uses a wheelchair. When we are out in public, strangers are almost always kind to us and hold the door for us etc. It restores my faith in humanity.
Beautiful 💕
I was traveling alone one time, no money to spare. I found myself staring through a fence at an ancient site whose paltry admission I couldn’t afford. A woman came up to me and I told her I couldn’t afford admission. Without hesitation, she gave me the money to get in and enjoy the site. The moment sticks with me because I felt ashamed that I couldn’t afford such a small fee, and she didn’t judge me at all. I try to pay forward what she did whenever I can.
Love this!
I love this, thanks for sharing Drea ✨
Such a beautiful story, Drea, especially the part about you paying it forward. Thank you.
I witnessed it yesterday as we celebrated my husband’s physical life. MANY people came. It really was incredible. J. just lived day by day. He (and) I have not won a lottery, did heroic acts to have us on a front page, changed the world with a publication, or contributed many dollars to a charity. As he said in a poem, “I let my light shine everyday. And if we all do that the world will be brilliant.”
❤️
Wow that is such a beautiful poem ✨
I am so pleased,
dear Yram,
that you now know
that there were many people who loved your husband
and came out to support you.
I think
that indeed
he let his light shine every day. ♥
Sending love to you, Yram, as you continue to grieve.
So happy to hear of this joyous event.
What a beautiful line from his poem, Yram. I’m so glad people who appreciated him could be there to hold his memory with you.
Love that line from the poem! Thank you, Yram. Continued prayers your way 🙏🏼
I am so glad to hear that your husband’s celebration of life was well attended and that you felt much kindness. It sounds like he was a special person! I would love to see the rest of his poem sometime.
He sounds like a wonderful man, Yram.
I often believe that I don’t matter, that I shouldn’t take up space. But whenever someone (family, friend, loved one, stranger) does something out of the blue for me, I feel so touched. Whether it was a unexpected text or receiving a compliment or holding the door open, I get such a warm feeling. You saw me, you thought of me? I can’t help but feel so grateful for all acts of kindness, big or small. 🌟💛🙏🏽
When have I experienced or witnessed a small act of kindness making a powerful difference?
Small act of kindness was from my helper ( the mediation guides are called helpers ) the other night after guiding his literally the whole day he got on zoom and held my hand through a dark night of the soul. When he go deep deep into the human mind in order to let everything go this is where we go together and let go! I could absolutely not do this alone! Thank god that there are over 350 centers around the world doing this- letting go/ surrendering. The helpers are invaluable and are gods angels holding our hands. Anyway, my helpers is a godsend. I don’t what I would have done without him. I have been able to go to to the places that truly scare me and I have always ran away from . I’m good at “being busy “ when in fact my busyness had been a form of laziness- of avoiding facing this false self . My pride also has been a huge burden. Now because of the kindness of my helper who sat with me long into the night I came out the other side . I’m so grateful for Michael. Thank you universe for sending him to me I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be with me. Thank you so much . He asks noting of me and keeps giving of himself to others tirelessly. He goes me hope and inspiration. Thank you for the question today to reflect back on this amazing gift of life and becoming truth in this very lifetime. 💓
When have I experienced or witnessed a small act of kindness making a powerful difference?
Small act of kindness was from my helper ( the mediation guides are called helpers ) the other night after guiding literally the whole day, he got on zoom and held my hand through a dark night of the soul. When he go deep deep into the human mind in order to let everything go this is where we go together and let go! I could absolutely not do this alone! Thank god that there are over 350 centers around the world doing this- letting go/ surrendering. The helpers are invaluable and are gods angels holding our hands. Anyway, my helpers is a godsend. I don’t what I would have done without him. I have been able to go to to the places that truly scare me and I have always ran away from . I’m good at “being busy “ when in fact my busyness had been a form of laziness- of avoiding facing this false self . My pride also has been a huge burden. Now because of the kindness of my helper who sat with me long into the night I came out the other side . I’m so grateful for Michael. Thank you universe for sending him to me I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be with me. Thank you so much . He asks noting of me and keeps giving of himself to others tirelessly. He goes me hope and inspiration. Thank you for the question today to reflect back on this amazing gift of life and becoming truth in this very lifetime. 💓
Please give me the name of the leader of this world wide group you follow, Antoinette.
I would like to find a YouTube video by him. Thank you.
He’s written many books about this method and we all have the exact same method. Are you in the USA? I have been to the center in San Diego, Virgina Arlington as well . Otherwise I have been to Berlin, Stockholm, London, Venna and Korea !
His name is Woo Myung
His books are for example: ( to name just a few)
Mind
The Book of Wisdom
The Living Eternal World
There are videos made for this meditation about Truth cling directly from the teachings- meaning not paraphrasing. I can leave a link here .
This is one video of many on this channel on YouTube-
https://youtu.be/I6oNuvsu134?si=p3Vz7eqMF568SJmf
Did it work ?
https://youtu.be/GIVouW60fSY?si=_irg_nr1IfXJdVwL
Hope this is working .
Thank you .
This link is about the meditation practice method .
https://youtu.be/GIVouW60fSY?si=_irg_nr1IfXJdVwL
Yes,
dear Antoinette . . .
the link works.
Thank you for posting it. ♥
Great news ! This video explains the method much more clearly. Of course to learn the method you get a guide/ helper .
https://youtu.be/GIVouW60fSY?si=_irg_nr1IfXJdVwL
I witness it every day through the kindness of my neighbors. One of my young and strong neighbors will stop by after work today to move my potted plants in the garage before a hard freeze expected this weekend. Yesterday, one of my elderly neighbors and I prayed together. Our beliefs are not the same but we seldom meet without the meeting ending in a mutual prayer. I read the following quote this morning. It is featured in Richard Rohr’s morning meditation today. Thich Nhat Hanh has said: “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now…. It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.” As expressed in the Aramaic version of the Beatitudes. The right and ripe time is always NOW. Amen
Your neighbors sound wonderful Carol Ann! 💕
They truly are!
”…It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.”
Thank you for this,
dear Carol Ann.
This mediation
is just what I needed today. ♥
What wonderful neighbors, Carol Ann. Also, I appreciate hearing about the prayers that you do with a neighbor, even though you don’t have the same beliefs. Divergent beliefs can seem like “everything” but they’re really not.
Drea, I know all that too well as a Buddhist Christian. I’ve picked up on the openness of the buddhist side and the firmness of the Christian side. Adaptability and detachment are the pillers in buddhism while love and forgiveness are the pillers in Christianity.
Witnessing small acts of kindness, changed my life. The thing you have to keep in mind, is that those small acts can require bravery. To be the first one to extend a hand. To be able to show vulnerability. To expose yourself to a certain extent. Even a small act of kindness is not such a small thing. It can and does change lives. We must remember this.
Yes very true
I agree, Charlie. Like I said yesterday, the little things are not so little. This whole thing about kindness needing to be visable is a myth. Many Asian and collective cultures place a strong premium on visibility. The inner world is just new for them. Ultimately, it all boils down to us knowing ourselves.
For example, I show kindness differently from my culture. If I told a standard older Vietnamese adult that I show kindness by participating on the grateful living community sharing my thoughts and commenting on other members, they’d look at me funny and see me as seeking recognition and validation. It’s believed that we just do it without expecting nothing in return. I see the thinking. It prevents string-pulling, agendas, and personal gain.
On the other hand, I stand firmly on my position that mental health and emotional well-being are crucial. It all starts and ends with the mind. If the mind messes up, the whole system shuts down.
With that being said, I show heart in a unique innovative way. One thing for certain is that I’ve always come here since the beginning without personal gain and Ngoc knows all that too well. My comments can, will continue to, and has made a difference too. I stated all this to debunked myths and of course, relevancy as usual, when you talked about small acts and vulnerability.
Charlie- I wrote a response and it seems to have disappeared. I will post it again and maybe the old one will eventually reappear as well? At any rate, thanks for sharing. And I wanted to let you know how potent I found your answer from a few days ago to be to “What to I love most about being alive?” That short list of words included kindness. I have memorized the list and have recited it a few times already when I have been in mildly depressed moods: “ I love serendipity, connection, beauty, and kindness.”
Thank you for sharing, Charlie. And I wanted to let you know that your sharing from a few days ago about “what do I love most about being alive?” really hit the mark for me. It was such a potent list of words (including kindness). I memorized it and have recited it a few times already when I have been in mildly depressed moods: ” I love serendipity, connection, beauty, and kindness.”
Charlie, Thanks for your wise words. I pulled this quote about vulnerability from my 2021 journal to share with you.
The Power of Vulnerability
“We have spent so much of our lives cultivating a pretense of strength but redemption isn’t found in strength. It is found in weakness – the very thing we have dreaded and denied. True, being vulnerable is terrifying but without it, we could never have the love we all yearn for. After I lost my first son, I did some writing about anguish and grace and at one point I asked, “What does it mean to be part of an authentic community where we are able to be real rather than phony, deep rather than shallow, stimulating rather than boring, full rather than empty? What does it mean to take off our masks and shed the pretense of invincibility or flawlessness and confess our weaknesses to others in an atmosphere of grace? By baring our souls, we encourage other authentic, healthy people to do the same. We create a culture of humility and grace where it is safe to be broken and honest and human. This is why our inadequacies are so full of splendor. They teach us the value of humility, forgiveness and grace. Without these things, we wouldn’t even know where to begin our search for anything deep. The most desirable trait that any of us could ever have is a broken and contrite heart. It is what makes flawed people so beautiful. It is also why we are called, “Beloved” by the Lover of our souls.”
Will Kautz May 13 2018 Posted on a FACEBOOK Richard Rohr Discussion Group Aug 21 2021
What you have written here,
dear Carol Ann,
is so potent and powerful . . .
it was almost like being struck
when I read it.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you . . .♥
”Even a small act of kindness is not such a small thing.”
The ‘small’ things
are not really small at all.
Thank you for bringing this to the table,
dear Charlie. ♥
I didn’t witness it myself, but I heard from my mom that our kind neighbor places a beautifully designed bowl filled with clean water in her front yard so that dogs passing by can have some water to quench their thirst. This small act of kindness means a lot to me, as I’m a dog-and-cat person. Not only that, it also sends a message to our Vietnamese community that kindness should be extended to both humans and animals. May everyone have a wonderful day. 🌹
Love it!
Beautiful!
At one of the neighborhoods we walk in, there’s a home with a water fountain and dog dish in front of their house next to the sidewalk. Our dogs know exactly where it is and love stopping for a drink. It is so appreciated and such a nice thing to do for the community.
I love it when people and shops place dog bowls outside, my dogs always benefit!
🙂
My Ngoc, I have a strong aversion to dogs but also hate to see them suffer too. I just don’t want them near me, that’s all.
☺️