Kindness Is Creating Space

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“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” … Jean-Jacques Rousseau

***

The day is one of spoken words counted on a single hand.

A glass of wine is a fine companion. Agreeable, a friend.

Perhaps two or three to set free thoughts that yearn for expression, not for the sake of speaking, but rather to create emptiness.

What that emptiness will become searches in the dark, motionless space that fills the void between uncountable stars.

What secrets might we find beyond the twinkles, behind the shadows, within the darkness? The Universe inspires an awe of unfathomable reach, of indiscernible energy, and incomprehensible possibilities.

One can look at the stars and find faith in infinite wisdom. The night sky offers an opportunity for quiet contemplation.

sunriseWho am I? Who are you? Why are we here?

With each new day a rising sun reinvigorates a questioning spirit, and  instills in the natural world a call to action. Flowers bloom. Songbirds sing, and the miracle of life moves forward with renewed passion.

Like the natural world, we rise and go about our daily duties, and we are part of all creation.

We are infinite. We are wisdom.

We are emptiness within a challenging world. Emptiness eager to be filled with kindness, so that we may touch the lives of others, and for a few moments be the shining star that lights up the heavens.

The stars do not ask if we would like them to shine. The sun does not wait for slumberous souls to rise. The heavens don’t embrace us so that we may be blind and not see.

Embrace others, and be free. There is no peace like that of becoming empty. It is opportunity to be who we truly are.

It is opportunity to share kindness.

Is there a greater gift?

42 Synonyms For Kindness | Altruism

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“Dig within. Within is the wellspring of Good; and it is always ready to bubble up,
if you just dig.” … Marcus Aurelius

***

 

I imagine becoming an Angel to be a sunsetmonumental task.

Losing oneself to an unwavering and purposeful concern for the welfare of others many times can be found wanting, as each setting sun draws its colorful curtain.

The day’s challenges create more than enough chaos in our lives. So much so that the path ahead becomes one of twists and turns, confusion and clutter.

It’s simply hard enough just to be human.

Yet the question never strays. “Who am I?”

Perhaps I’ll never know for sure. Perhaps I’ll be at the doorstep by morning. Perhaps the more important question is, “Who are you?”.

“What makes you smile? Where do your dreams carry you? What stirs your spirit, and lights you up inside?”

Altruism, by definition, is an unselfish regard or devotion to the welfare of others.

One of 43 synonyms for kindness, it is behavior that benefits others. In the animal kingdom it is behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, such as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator.

We humans, unlike our undomesticated neighbors, are able to think clearly about the sense or nonsense of our actions. We decide whether to act based on criteria such as difficulty, danger, outcome, desire, and even courage. Our animal friends have no need for courage. There is never a question of what needs to be done.

Perhaps we humans should be more like animals.

Here are the 43 synonyms for kindness:

affection, altruism, amiability, beneficence, benevolence, charity, clemency, compassion, consideration, cordiality, courtesy, decency, delicacy, fellow feeling, forbearance, gentleness, good intention, good will, generosity, goodness, grace, graciousness, heart, helpfulness, hospitality, humanity, indulgence, kindliness, magnanimity, mildness, patience, philanthropy, serviceability, solicitousness, solicitude, sweetness, sympathy, tact, tenderness, thoughtfulness, tolerance, understanding, unselfishness

I imagine becoming an Angel would mean putting another’s life and welfare ahead of your own.

I imagine that there are altruistic people throughout the world that do this everyday. A smile here, a loving family there, caring friends and opportunities to share your kindness everywhere.

I imagine there are Angels among us everyday.

Perhaps we simply need to recognize them, and be grateful.

Perhaps one needs only to look in the mirror.

Be Angelic, today, tomorrow, and every day. There are those that benefit from your goodness. There are many that are touched by your kindness. There are smiles that couldn’t light up the world, if not for you.

Dig deep.

Thank You.

Kindness Is Hugs And Heartaches

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 “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.” … Jim Morrison

***

What if you could be a friend to everyone you meet?

remembering

A favorite surf spot

My youth was a time of great friendship. Southern California in the 60’s and 70’s was a celebration of sunshine and surf, laughter and smiles, fragrant sunsets and a heckuva good time.

It could never have been what it was without my friends.

Last week one of those friends passed away. Many years had gone by since I’d seen him, far too many, and I was glad that I could return to Los Angeles to offer my condolences. Seeing his father was a lesson in sadness. Alcohol had taken his youngest son, and he was angry that his paternal admonitions had had no effect. Why hadn’t he listened? Why did he refuse to accept help from those who loved him?

When I saw his picture displayed at the memorial service I remembered the free-spirited adventurous young man who many times led the way, and encouraged exploration. He was happy, he was alive, he embraced his freedom, with or without his friends.

What if he had listened? Would he still be alive?

At the end of the day everyone must make their own decisions. Everyone must pursue their own freedom, and the best that we, who are left behind, can do is respect their individuality. People are who they are.

I don’t have to tell any of you how to maintain friendships. Everyone has experienced heartwarming hugs and tearful goodbyes. I simply want to pass forward my sadness at the loss of an old friend, and perhaps after all is said and done, you might ponder the opportunity to consider each person you meet to be a friend.

Would the world be a better place? I don’t know. I imagine it would, but then I can only be certain that this moment is real, and what comes after remains unknown. Each of us pursue our own paths, and while they endlessly merge with those of others, they remain unique to our own perception of freedom.

May yours always be one that keeps you among good and loving friends.

Be thankful for the goodness in each and every person.

Understand that each person’s perception of the world is their own.

Cry when your heart breaks, and then reassemble the pieces.

Offer your love and friendship to everyone you meet.