Kindness

A Space for Kindness to Prevail.

I had to purchase a portable air conditioning unit today. My house to become unbearably hot, and given the rising temperatures and I knew I had to take action.

I initially traveled to an appliance store nearby; as it was yet early the lot was nearly empty. I had done my research prior to leaving the house, selecting just the right unit for my purposes.

My circumstances have dictated a need for frugality; I don’t often purchase unless it’s absolutely necessary.

As I arrived at the store, I approached an attendant at the counter: “Pardon, but could you please help… I’m having a little trouble.”

Do you know I selected had already sold out; prove it was by far the best purchase available. I settled upon an alternate unit, though far too heavy for one person to move.

I waited as the young woman finished with a customer. “Hi,” I smiled. “is there anyone here who might have a moment to help me.”

She rolled her eyes, irritated and said “It’s right there in front of you. What? You want me to carry it for you?”

“But it’s just a little heavy…” I try to explain.

“Well I guess you’re stuck then,” she offered rather curtly.

I walked to my car and called another store within the area. A gentleman named Ron was only too happy to help.

When I arrived, he smiled, “Miss Lemieux, how are you? I’ve got it already boxed and ready for you at the front.”

He took his time, opening the box to explain installation. “Now, if you have any troubles you just give me a call.”
he grinned.

Another young man for the rest corded me to my car making sure the unit was moved without my worry.

When I arrived home, a group of teenagers were soliciting door to door. “You need some help with that?” they called out, eager to lend a hand.

Within 15 minutes the “too big for just one to move” unit was neatly placed and installed.

All at the kindness of a few gracious strangers.

I even tried to pay them, but they refused; “My Mama raised me better than that,” the youngest returned.

As they left of their way, I thought about the young woman from the original store. So often we are tempted to respond ‘in kind’, when in fact – a little more kindness is what we need most of all.

I grabbed a few dahlias from the garden, placing them within my favorite frosted blue vase. I pulled a card from my desk drawer, and began to write. When finished, I packed up and returned to her store.

She was standing alone at the counter, her eyes fixed in a stare. I reached out, touched her hand and said, “It seemed like you were having a bad day.”

When I handed her the flowers, she began to cry; “My oldest brother died Tuesday in an accident in Kansas…” She went on to explain how she needed to work to earn the money – if there was any hope at all of making it back home.

An older gentleman standing just behind me, stepped forward with wallet in hand – offering what little he had. “It’s not much, but it’ll do in better hands.” Soon after, others in like followed in due course.

Had I not returned, this ripple of kindness would have ceased. Worse yet, the true lesson would have been lost.

Though the reaction may be tempting, to what end does it serve? Particularly, when we already know the energy we wish to share.

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness,” reminds author, George Shaw. “Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.”

And so, my darlings, a simple wish for today – that we may allow the space for kindness to prevail.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

That Which Kindness Brings.

I watched a young woman struggling at the check out line. In one are she cradled her infant son, and in the other she struggled to count out change.

“I know it’s in here,” she offered apologetically. Though, as she rummaged through the final depths of her purse, I could tell that she already knew.

When I was a young mother, I struggled, too. And, there were days, my loves – where there was barely enough to feed my then infant son. Oh, how I used to envy those who could make their purchase without consequence; who didn’t have to perform continuous calculations in their head.

I remember once standing just as she did, already knowing but wishing to conceal my shame.

“Hey, you dropped something,” an old once called out from behind. “You should be a little more careful with your money,” he winked.

As I looked down, I could see his ‘gift’ literally laying at my feet — a half folded twenty dollar bill.

“Well, look at that,” he smiled. “It was there all along.” And then he whispered, “That feeling in your heart right now? Make sure you share it with others.”

I’ve thought of him often throughout the years, for on that day he shared so much more than the gift itself.

He taught me the immeasurable value a simple kindness held.

He taught me that even the smallest of gestures could prove everlasting.

“Is that yours,” I asked, as I dropped a half folded twenty to the floor. She looked at me at first with disbelief, then relief.

“Remember this moment,” I whispered in return. “And, promise me you’ll always try to carry it forward.”

For who are we if we can not serve another?

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

Nurturing the Littlest of Souls.

[blockquote source=”Mohandas Gandhi”]”If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.”[/blockquote]

I watched a little girl playing ‘bubbles’ the other day. She was off to the side, far away from the other little ones – and, completely engaged in getting ‘just the right amount of soap bubbles’ on her dipping wand.

“Oh, your hair looks so pretty,” I smiled, doing my best to draw her nearer to the other children. She seemed so shy, and – as the Mama Bear of the neighborhood – I felt it my place to help her find her way forward.

“Thank you,” she beamed, “I did it all by myself.” For me, there’s no better joy than watching a little one realize they can, in fact, do just about anything.

“Your mother must be very proud,” I offered. And, then she said something that just about broke my heart:

“Oh, my Mommy never says that…”

My goodness, how easily we forget the necessity of nurturing a little one’s soul. To share with them, such magnificent tales – and, demonstrate that nothing is impossible.

How do we expect to extend humanity’s reach in turning away from our own little one’s hand?

I know this might sound silly, but this weekend – I’ll be putting together a ‘faire’ for the little ones. With lots of treats, perhaps some clever face painting, and goodies to take home at the end of the day.

I may not be able to change the dynamics of a family, but…I *can* make a difference in the hearts of these little ones.

We all can.

So tell me, my darlings – what can you do to help someone smile this weekend?

A Simple Reminder for Humanity’s Survival.

[blockquote source=”His Holiness the Dalai Lama”]”In our present circumstances, none of us can afford to assume that somebody else will solve our problems; each of us must take his or her own share of universal responsibility. With constant, determined application, we can accomplish even the most difficult objectives.”[/blockquote]

I watched a young woman buying a double latte at the local coffee shop.

“$5.23,” chirped the barista from behind the counter.

Ironically, I had heard that number before – in a presentation regarding our nation’s children. Who, on any give day of this year, are going to bed with bellies aching of hunger.

$5.23 is roughly the amount allocated for one child a week; the cost of ensuring they at least have one hot meal per day.

Think about that, if you will. Imagine trying to sustain your family on that which you’re holding in your hand.

Would you struggle to make ends meet? Or, could you provide for your little one’s welfare?

I looked up for only just a moment, and long enough to watch the very same woman tossing her half-finished coffee away.

Sometimes life presents us with these images, intended to impose the truth in our day.

As one of the richest countries in this world, we are spending billions of dollars per day to sustain large-scale government operations. And yet, when President Obama approached Congress to negotiate an increase in that which was allocated to the lunch programs in our schools – he was given substantially less than was realistically needed.

[blockquote source=” Michael Shank”]”One wonders why President Barack Obama couldn’t get the $10 billion over ten years that he wanted to improve childhood nutrition in schools. (Contrast this with the $10 billion we spend monthly on our military in Afghanistan.) In fact, Obama was only able to get $4.5 billion allocated—improving by .06 cents what we spend on children’s lunches—and much of that was paid for by siphoning money from the food stamp program.”[/blockquote]

The irony is absolutely frightening.

sigh.

I’m not at all advocating a reduction in military funding, or wide-spread changes to our political scene…rather, I’m asking that we all take a much-needed look into our system of compassion, that we simply not wait for ‘someone else’ to get it together.

Someone asked me recently what my words of advice might be for this generation.

Simple – get involved.

Don’t just sit back and watch the fabric of humanity disintegrate.

The time is now – and the only question, what can we do today?

People are starving. Little ones are dying from lack of basic medical care. Meanwhile, this ‘chasm’ between social classes grows infinitely wider and wider.

And, that’s just a hint born from the limitations of our immediate ‘view.’ But, if you were take a step back to see a much greater view of this earth – the problem is even that much more frightening.

In this time where the world produces ample enough food, more than 1 1/2 times enough to feed every living soul on this planet – still, we suffer this sadness of poverty.

My darlings, we need to close this gap.

We need to feed our hungry.

We need to provide care for those who are very much in need.

My dears, when we are able to spend more on our daily ingest of gourmet coffee treats than that which we share with others – it is time, for a much needed change.

As His Holiness the Dalai Lama so eloquently stated, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

So, my dears – if I may, I ask this most simple question, that is…

What can we do on this day to ensure humanity’s survival?

 

In This Garden Where Compassion May Grow.

[blockquote source=”Charlie Chaplin”]We think too much and feel too little.[/blockquote]

The other day, a young man posted a message to me. We had been talking over our view of this world, and what it might take to make a much greater change.

You see, I have been thinking quite a lot on this topic, as of late – and working very hard to develop a far reaching plan. I believe this to be our purpose here, to extend our reach and help our fellow man.

I mean, how can it be that on this earth we have so very much, yet barely an ocean away there are those whose pain is so great they can not sleep?

And not to mention what is happening within the borders of our very own nations, where on which every street corner there hangs a sign in hopes to be fed.

How can we not see that which is so very much bigger?

And so he said to me, “a man who has filled his appetite, yet denies food to those in need” is no man.

I’m summarizing, of course – but, I think the point is quite clear. How can we, in this ‘Age of Abundance’ – withhold the basic necessities for human existence?

“I call him religious who understands the suffering of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

Indeed, when one in eight children will go hungry on this day – how can we still stand behind our shields of indifference?

He reminded me of a family custom, born many years ago – and during a time when families still gathered to share their meal. We always held an extra place at our dinner table, a symbolic gesture intended to welcome all those in need.

During one of our most brutal winters, I remember seeing an old man huddled over against a park bench. I had passed this old man a dozen times before, and always – he would smile gently and tip his hat. Never once did he ask for my assistance, and never once a complaint.

“Would you just look at this day?” he would shout, with arms extended fully upwards – as if he wished to hug the sky.

But on a day when these winds were so unforgivably brutal – he barely even noticed I was there.

“Come home with me,” I said. It was Thanksgiving Day, and all of the shops had already closed.

And with head hung low, and no shelter from this storm – still he replied, “I don’t wish to intrude.”

“Nonsense,” I smile…”We’ve already a place…” and I explained to him my family tradition.

In all my years, I have to say one of my happiest moments was knowing that this man left my table with full belly and spirit. Some years later, I received a letter from him. Do you know he traveled all the way to California to reunite with his beautiful children?

Do you know they had been looking for him all of these years?

And, all from one simple meal.

My dears, though this gesture was small – its impact was everlasting.

I remember struggling myself, not so very long ago. With two small children, and barely enough to eat – the power company had just sent notice that they would soon be cutting us off.

No heat…no food….no hope.

I remember pleading with the service representative over the phone, “Please, just a few more days…”

But she was unwilling; and her hands were tied.

I remember covering my face with my hands. I didn’t want anyone to notice that I was crying. Even though I was dirt poor, I still had my pride.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little plastic card being slid across the table, “Hey, use this..” he offered.

It was the American Express card from a dear man who had been listening to my troubles.

When I asked how I might ever repay him, he said, “Someday, you will be a position to help others. And, when you are – promise never to hesitate.”

Oh, and to this day, my dears – I have carried those words closest to my heart. Never once forgetting, where I once was – and the kindness that gave me a new start.

I suppose that is why I do what I do today – because someone once showed me the power of one simple change.

My dears, how can we have these arms – long enough to reach, yet still struggle to remove them from the safety of our own pocket linings?

Or eyes, that can easily discern the variance in shade between an eggshell and a soft linen white – yet, are still blind to these images of poverty and despair?

Can you not hear their cries rising above the buzzing drone of Dolby sound?

I believe we’ve been gifted this empathy for one single reason – that is, to ensure the fires of compassion are not ever extinguished.

And, that these bonds of humanity are strengthened through our service to others.

Much love, my dears – and on this day, ask yourself, “On this day, how might I be of help to others?”

Kindness matter, my friends – and in its garden, these seeds of compassion will grow.

The Power of One Simple Hand.

[blockquote source=”Margaret Mead”]Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has[/blockquote]

I was watching a little boy standing alone at the bus stop this morning, a group of older boys standing far away and to the left. I felt so badly for him, as he hung his low – taking on the burden of the other boys’ teasing.

It’s a hard lesson to learn, now isn’t it? That these words spoken in haste often leave the longest lasting imprint. Those of us who know this best, are the ones who suffered most this harshness of cruelty. It leaves us feeling desperately alone in this great big world, and struggling to find our ‘belonging place.’

It reminded me a of a Christmas show I had once watched as a little girl – an animated version of Dicken’s, “A Christmas Carol.” In it, a young Ebeneezer Scrooge is seated alone at his desk, tears forming to puddles onto his notebook – as he thinks of all his school chums who’ve made their way home for the holidays.

But, young Ebeneezer had not place to go and no family, per se…sadly, he was just one boy left so desperately alone in this world.

The story was intended to serve as a reminder – that bitterness is not ever born, rather created. Created sometimes by the most brutal of circumstances.

I remember the song he sang, still to this day:

[blockquote]A hand for each hand
was planned for the world,
so why don`t my fingers reach?

Millions of grains of sand
in the world,
so why such a lonely beach?

Where is the click
to go with my clack?
Where is the voice
to answer mine back?

I`m all alone in this world.”[/blockquote]

For some reason, that image has stayed with me through all of these many years – perhaps, in some small way helping to shape the person that I am today…

Leaving me wishing with all of my heart and spirit, that not one person should ever feel so alone in this world.

I wanted to stop by and reassure this beautiful young man, “My dear, the only words you need ever listen to are the ones coming from your own heart.”

It was the very advice once shared with me by the kindest old man, and when he saw the older children teasing me on one of our school outings.

The gentleness of his words reassured me, that there’s always a place for each heart in this world. And, no matter what those bullies might say.

Sometimes, I wonder if all of these experiences aren’t intended for a much higher purpose?

That this is the way loving-kindness keeps moving, even when life’s bullies would try their best to otherwise deter it.

And so…even though, the bus arrived before I had a chance to pull aside – rest assured, I will share these words with him tomorrow.

Because, in the end…loving-kindness can only flow from one hand to another…

Much love, my most beautiful friends…and may we always be mindful of the power of one simple hand.

 

A Moment of Patience Lasts Forever.

[pullquote align=”left” background=”on”]There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. – Nelson Mandela[/pullquote]

I saw the most beautiful child the other day, with bright green eyes and the prettiest of hair-pin curls. She was peeking out from behind her Dad’s long winter coat, and in order to catch a glimpse of the foil-wrapped Valentine’s candy I was in line to purchase.

And when my playful wink caught her eye, there she went…disappearing, once again…and frightened that her curiosity had been discovered.

“Would you like to have a piece,” I offered with my most gentle smile – and one that I had hoped might encourage her to visit with for a while.

“Yes, please,” she answered, with hand outstretched…that is, until her Dad snatched her by the scruff of the neck, and pulled her back. My goodness, he knocked her nearly off her toes – all for the upset of one piece of candy.

“Didn’t I tell you to behave?” he snarled, sending this little one into a teary-eyed mess.

“Stop crying,” he shouted causing such a terrible stir. And, prompting others to lower their gaze – in the hopes of not having to get involved.

There’s always that split second following actions performed in haste that delivers such a sinking feeling…one that is not soon recovered.

“You can’t unring a bell,” my Mother used to say. And she was right, you know…because in this life, my dears…there are just some things you can’t ever take back.

Everything is inevitably imprinted by our actions. And these actions, become our most valuable legacy.

We forget that our children are right there looking up, with wide-open hearts…and taking in all these lessons we share.

Whether intentional, or not – their lives are forever changed, by all the choices we grown ups make.

And yet, how quickly we forget.

Sometimes, I wonder, how very nice this life might be – having the benefit of a spiritual ‘pause’ button?

So, I thought today, my dears…I’m hopeful we might take a moment to reflect…

That there’s always enough time to temper our words…and in order to ensure that these moments of patience last forever.

Namaste, and much love my dears.

 

What Every Ballerina Knows.

[blockquote source=”Rumi“]Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.[/blockquote]

I received the most horrible, hate-filled message the other day, penned from the hand of someone who barely even knew me…

And certainly not with any depth of knowledge, to truly understand the most subtle, inner workings of my heart strings.

What motivates and delights me…

What catches my gaze on a star-filled night…and sets my heart in motion over the wonderment of what this life brings..

No, I dare say she barely knew me at all.

And yet, there she sat so secure in her judgement – and, to settle up what was perceived to be an egregious wrong.

“I’m owning my sh*t,” she announced in proud defiance.

What an absurd thing to say…to ‘own’ that which we can’t ever control, the ‘that which is forever changing’…

I felt sad for her, as I watched anger strip happiness from her sinewy limbs…and without her ever having noticed, that this hate she was fueling was hurting her more.

I know, because I have been there before. We all have, my friends. Caught up in the paralyzing fear of moving closer to the truth,  while needlessly backing ourselves into the farthest corners of our spiritual ‘room’ –

And, feeling that our only best and last option, is to grit our teeth and claw our way through….

What is going on in this world when we feel that speaking our peace involves the injury of others? To strike out against the very thing we hope to move closer to?

I was accused of taking the ‘cowards way out’ – of not straightforwardly facing my fears.But, I’d rather think I was taking great care of this path, where peace and compassion might soon linger.

You know, I used to believe that most people were terrified of wars – but, lately I wonder if they are perhaps more fearful of peace?

Because, peace requires the most genuine of connections -that of unconditional love and acceptance; a gentleness towards others and ourselves.

I’ve often wondered if the majority of conflict, might be halted with one simple act of an unwavering kindness?

My dears, in life there will be those so quick with their words…that it may just cause your head to spin. But, even in this frenzied flash of harsh condemnations – even in this…we must always strive to maintain our balance.

And, as my dearest ballet teacher might bellow…”Ladies…you can’t plant your feet while twirling on your toes.”

So, let it go.

Let action serve as your focal point…

Let all of these ill wishes wash away to the wind…and stay true to this course, undeterred.

Because, in the end – I believe this world very much needs it.

And, after all….the only one who can ever know your heart, is you.

So, never let those silly naysayers stop you.

The Truest Measure of Friendship That Ever Was.

[blockquote source=”Herman Melville”]We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.[/blockquote]

As I logged onto my Facebook this morning, I was immediately awestruck by the kindness of friends. Hundreds upon hundreds of messages from all corners of this world, each wishing for one simple thing:

That love may permeate our every waking moment.

Isn’t it a most wonderful thing to wake up to the kindness of good friends?And, more so, to bear witness to this miracle of love, without cause?

Strangers, now friends…working in a most perfect union, to provide for the happiness of others..

And, driven solely by this most magnificent power of connection.

It reminded me of a dear friend, Gus, from so many years ago – a German Jew caught in the horrors of a hate-fueled war.

All around him, friends…families…disappeared to the night, and not once ever to be heard from again. By daybreak, these stories of horror began to circulate – fear casting long shadows onto the hearts of even the bravest of men.

In those days, securing safe passage to another land wasn’t easy – requiring many months of planning, and a greater act of kindness to be shared.

So many dear souls were turned away…but, Gus…he was one of the ‘lucky ones’ – having earned a scholarship and boat passage to Oxford University.

He could have easily left, and none would have blamed him – to have someone, anyone, survive…would have been a most glorious miracle.

Instead, he gave his ticket, his passage to life, to another.. a very dear friend. You see, Gus knew he stood a much better chance at survival.

Not long after, dear Gus was taken to the ‘work camp’ – where he was separated from family, and treated with an inhuman cruelty. He marked his moments, not in desperation, but in helping others – the spirit of kindness doing more for his heart than a stale piece of bread.

And every day he held hope close to his heart, that his dear friend made it safely away.

As the months wore on, and the bitterness of winter settled in – even then, dear Gus never once lost the promise of his beliefs….that one day, the power of kindness would prevail.

It was that very evening that a German soldier approached my friend, having recognized the fading hint of the man he once used to be. You see, Gus’s father was a highly decorated German soldier during WWI – and this guard, remembered him with only the greatest of respect.

And just like that, the ‘fence’ was lifted – and my imprisoned friend was granted his freedom.

Gus fled to Bolivia, where he worked for many years in the tin mines – hard word, that would break any man. But, dear Gus would not ever be broken – and when he finally saved enough of his gold, he took the very next boat to America.

Many years passed, but not once did the memory of his friend ever fade – as Gus thought often of this young man’s survival.

To wish for something, but not ever know the outcome – was becoming the heartache of Gus’ much later years.

Nearly 40 years had passed, and dear Gus had almost given up all hope…when one day, in a musty hallway of a stodgy, old government building he heard a familiar voice call out after him,

“My friend…is it you?”

Yes, my dears…reunited after all those many years.

And, it was their connection that kept both of them alive.

So, this morning – I am left wondering what great things our connections may form, and in these… the ‘so many years to come’…

And, when I hear your familiar voices calling out to me in the hallways…I am hopeful that there will be more magnificent stories to tell…about the truest measure of friendship that ever was.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends…and thank you for the gift of your love.

Compassion Without Limits.

[pullquote align=”left” background=”on”]“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” ― Kahlil Gibran[/pullquote]

So often, we hesitate in helping others. We presume our hearts are just not big enough, or that what we might do couldn’t possibly have a much greater impact.

At times, it almost seems, as if we talk ourselves out of this process of reaching forward a helping hand—so much so, that we tuck them deeply back into our pockets, avert our eyes and walk away.

And, if we are really human at heart—we’ll shrink a bit, when guilt returns to ask, “Why didn’t you just…?”

Exactly, “Why didn’t you just…?”

Everything matters in this world. Every little thought, and even the smallest of dreams.

And, it all comes down to one decision point—whether to reach out and help, or simply walk away.

So, let me ask you—what can you do to help someone else today?

Watch this most touching video demonstrating simple acts of compassion caught on film—these unexpected moments of loving-kindness and true regard for human life are what give me hope each day.

Everything matters in this world—and, together, we can all make a much greater difference.