I just read Ann Curry’s story. It started with her asking, “What would happen if a whole bunch of people committed to doing 20 acts of kindness in honor of those who died in Newton, CT last week?” She tweeted the idea. Folks responded. Tons of folks. Some committed to the original 20. Some upped it to 26 to honor the children and teachers who died. Some said, “How about 28 to honor all who died?”
Tonight, our family is committing to doing 28 acts of kindness.
Thumbs up!
While my kiddos are young and don’t know about what happened in Newton, CT, they are in to doing random acts of kindness. We call it “superhero kindness.” My kiddos are in to superheroes. And ninjas. And Harry Potter. So with a bit of superhero strength, ninja agility, and Harry Potter magic, we are going to set out to do 28 acts of kindness to honor those who died.
Patience Salgrado, kindness girl extraordinaire, says, “kindness changes everything.” And it does. I’ve seen it. As a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and mindfulness teacher listening to clients who are inspired by someone doing something kind for them and changed when they commit to “looking for the opportunities” for kindness in our everyday lives…kindness toward themselves and kindness toward their dear ones. Then it spreads. Kindness to complete strangers. Kindness to the person they once could never forgive. Yes, kindness changes everything.
As a mom, I’ve seen how kindness changes everything…the whole tone of our house…when I muster up some kindness at dinner time when everyone is hungry and cranky and wanting something. “Here, sweet love, Clara. Here’s your milk” as I pick her up and hug her sweet little body close to mine. “Aidan, show me some Aikido moves! Ahhhh-yaaaah!” as we “dual” for awhile and laughs fill our beloved kitchen.
www.wakeup-world.com
“Today I wake up empty and frightened.
Don’t go to the door of the study and read a book.
Instead, take down the dulcimer,
let the beauty of what you love be what you do.
There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground,
there are a thousand ways to go home again.”
– Rumi
There are a thousand simple, everyday ways to heal, to go home…it starts with BEING that love that is stirring in your heart! It starts with listening to that prompt, that whisper, that wellspring in the center of your chest to SHARE that love in the ways that are totally you.
What’ll happen?! Watch out, world! Kindness changes everything, folks. Our hearts, homes, neighborhoods, and world.
Blessings,
Kindness changes everything. It great that you have a household of superheroes!
Mark, I should also mention my ‘superhero’ husband! Brian is the most gentle, kind, and compassionate person I know. THAT’s some “superpower!” Mark, thank YOU for the everyday acts of kindness you offer this world through your writing, reflections, and poetry. Blessings, Lisa
love this 🙂 committing tonight to passing the kindness along as well 🙂 you do have a magical superhero family!
Jenni — and your courage, your willingness to share your vulnerability, to “put your needs” and fears etc out there???!!! You encourage me to do the same. Love, love, love to you and your precious family. Lisa
I’m delighted to find your blog. I believe kindness is one way of bringing healing to Self, humanity, and the planet. I plan on sharing this on my facebook page. Thank you, Lisa.
Brenda, dear one, welcome, welcome, welcome! I’m glad you found us. I’m thrilled you are here. Yes, kindness is one way of bringing about healing…
Blessings to you,
Lisa
What a wonderful idea and way of honoring those who lost their lives and those who will suffer from it!!!! Much love and appreciation! Cindy
Cindy, thanks, dear one!!! Ya know, we all do kind things every day. This is just an opportunity to send love to the 28 who died and to see how it changes us to have kindness on our hearts and in our eyes every day. Love to you, Lisa
Thank you for writing this post! You have inspired me so much, and my friends and I are working towards 28 acts of kindness as well.
http://www.anartfulendeavor.com/2012/12/kindness-angels.html
Joyelle,
What loveliness! I just posted on your blog!
Very quickly this website will be famous among all blogging visitors, due to it’s pleasant articles or reviews
Thank you.
Your mode of describing everything in this piece of writing is actually fastidious, all can easily understand it,
Thanks a lot.
Thank you, dear one! My brain is recouping from a head trauma and I actually had to think about “fastidious”! I’m glad all can understand this piece. We did end up completing the 28 acts of kindness. Actually, even more than 28. Love to you. Lisa