Part I: A Reflective Writing
Wow, y’all, what a WEEK. I took a week off from sharing in order to enjoy the holidays, and came back for this beautiful solar New Year. It is my favorite holiday- fresh starts, new energy, new newness! I ignore the naysayers here, because it’s just my favorite. And yet, this week- wow. What does one share during times like these?
Kindness, that’s what.
The other day, I stopped to get gas. I saw a woman swing out of the drive-thru, and heard her very cheerfully thank a person for buying her coffee. They did not know each other, yet were now connected through the act of doing something for someone else. It was lovely to witness, and their friendly exchange made me smile.
We are all connected in an interconnected web of existence, with the ability to truly make an impact, and these moments can change lives. You never know the effect your kindness will have on someone’s life. They may share, they may not, and yet, it’s so, so important to be revolutionarily kind.
Last month, I focused on two things: food analogies (chuckle, I love them, almost as much as kindness), and the idea of “being.” This month will the reflections will be more in the lane of “doing.” That is, what can we do that will help us be more mindful of our impact on the world?
Looking around at the world, we can see so many negative things we want to change. Yet, we can also focus on moments of joy from the kindnesses we have witnessed- like buying a stranger coffee, helping a neighbor with their groceries, or anything you do to brighten someone’s day. This week’s poem is on the beauty of kindness (it definitely brought tears to my eyes to remember but a few). In the end, I invite you to reflect on kindness in general, and the kindnesses you have witnessed and been a part of.
Here is a poem from me to you:s
Kindness is free
Unless it’s a plane ticket home
When your family needs you
Because your dollars don’t stretch across the country
They don’t tell you they all pooled their money
Just so you could fly home for the weekend
And see your dad run out of the house...
For the first dad-hug you’ve had in months
But kindness is free
Kindness is free
Unless it’s a place to sleep
Even if it’s in someone’s living room
Or in the corner of the dining room on an air mattress
It’s dry
And it’s homey
And it’s warm
And they’re nice, even if they don’t like tofu
Kindness is free
Kindness is free
Unless it’s a tow in their tow truck
When your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere
Their firepit in the parking lot might draw some raised eyes
Yet kindness doesn’t care where you spend your time and what you wear
They were just there
For another human, yes, they were there for you, a stranger
Yet, kindness is free
Kindness counts
But it doesn’t count how much it costs
It just is
And if I could be wrapped in kindness
It’d be the best blanket
Or actually a life raft
Kindness counts
Kindness is free
Because sometimes
It’s all you need for a brighter day
It can change your life
Dare I say, the whole world
One moment at a time
Kindness, dare I say, isn’t free
Kindness is PRICELESS
Part II: Prompts to Mindfully Ponder- A Practice
There are six questions here to carry you through the week this week. You could read the reflection, then take on one question per day for the following days. No one will check your efforts, or send you a grade, it’s simply an invitation to carry you throughout your full week.<3 This is your time, your activity, your reflection. Honor whatever it is you need - or just do number 6 every day this week for a moment or two!
So, take some time for being creative in your own way, grab a warm or refreshing beverage, some pens/pencils/markers/paper/drawing tools, or a comfy place to sit and reflect on these questions in whatever way you choose.
What is the textbook definition of kindness? I invite you to look it up, and then to journal or draw a bit about it.
What is one example of someone who has done something kind for you? What did it mean to you?
What is one thing you have done, in a spirit of kindness, for others?
What is one thing you can do to spread kindness, one kind act you can do for others?
What do you find yourself wanting this week? What do you need? Take a moment or two for mindful reflection.
Just be. Take a moment for some kindful inactivity for yourself. Take yet another day to do this.
P.S. * Occasionally, I may try to highlight a cool organization or something else that might benefit from some assistance. I get no perks from this, other than the joy of highlighting cool organizations and maybe hearing of new ones. I highly recommend tuning into The Kindness Diaries (it’s on Netflix and I just learned there is a book- http://www.thekindnessdiaries.com/). It highlights a man who travels, while relying purely on the kindness of strangers. It’s a good pick-me-up- you might need some tissues!
Thank you Amber for this piece. I love that activities for the week!
You are welcome! Thank you for reading, sharing, and for always being supportive!