This morning I was led to flip to a song that is, as far as sound goes one of the cheesiest and possibly the most annoying. It is a children’s song and I almost turn it off, but I am led to listen closer. The lyrics are perfect for this time:
“How does peace begin with me
What can I give humanity
when my anger seems to bind me
What can I do to unwind me…
I nearly joined the fray but instead I walked away
I remember take a breath and look inside me
Let the fear and anger go
Let my kindness grow
It makes know difference what they do
Do what you want done to you”
~ The Golden Rule by Palo Colorado
It was occurred to me that love is simple yet life is complex. Applying the golden rule is the same as this. It is simple but also complex because think about it - if a mac loving farmer ordered a vegan friend a big burger and smiled, saying, “On me; it’s my favorite, so I’m sure you’ll love it,” that wouldn’t be especially kind to the vegan, who would probably ask if it was kind to the animal. To which those who support grassfed small farmers would reply yes, yes it is, we give them a great life and try to be as compassionate as possible while feeding our families and communities!
Anyway…I’ve been a vegan and not a vegan and a vegan and not a vegan and I just don’t make rules at this point but as a default I hardly ever eat meat, but I think the less judgy we can be while honoring our deepest convictions, the better! Listening to our own inner compass is a good guide!
Practicing kindness includes taking into consideration how we apply to golden rule. We would probably want people to not harm us, but each of us may define that differently. We all want compassion and understanding but some cultures value face saving whereas others value overt, direct expressions of compassion. Some people are touchy feely others prefer a kind word or a simple action that shows thoughtfulness. One person might want you to make a donation in their name whereas another might want you to take out the trash or listen to their feelings really deeply.
The other day I shared a story about offering a woman a hug.
I noticed a woman I’d had a good connection with not long ago. We’d recognized each other on more than one occasion with a smile but never talked until a few weeks ago. I had been specifically led to the coffee shop on that occasion and on that day - our first conversation - we both sincerely asked how one another was doing, although we had seen each other for over a decade and said nothing but hi. I learned that day that she is recently retired. I asked what she wants to do with the time she now has and she shared that she wants to write. I asked her what she wants to write and she told me she wants to create something as a legacy for her grandchildren, in whose lives she has invested much of her energy and her time. She said, “But I’m just not doing it” she said. I looked her in the eye and said, “Why not?”
She laughed and asked if I was a therapist. I laughed. I told her I am the child of two of them and I have a background in coaching, but no.
On this occasion when I ask her how she’s doing, she says, “I’m okay.” There is a tear in her eye, under glasses. It’s one of those days you can feel it - it’s not about getting stuff done - it’s about being and being with each other and feeling our connectedness. I don’t even think about checking up on her writing. “I have to put my dog down today.
That dog taught me not to be petrified of dogs. I used to be really afraid of them. This was my dad’s dog, and she taught me not to be afraid anymore.”
I hold some space and I ask “Would you like a hug?” She pauses, considering. I love to ask before hugging. Creating cultures where hugs are abundant but no one feels obligated to give or receive one is so important!
After her moment of hesitating she says, “Why not? I love hugs.”
I hugged her gently and open my love to her. I sensed her receive the love.
“You’re sweet,” she says, wiping her tear. “It’s a beautiful day to be with her for her last day.”
How are you called to express kindness into the world right now?
What joy can you bring to the spaces and places you flow and grow?
May the world be full of love. May your heart overflow with peace, love, wisdom and gratitude.
May heaven quickly replace hell on earth and in all dimensions for all who wish it to be so..
May you know what is yours to do and not do one moment at a time.
On a collective level, I would sum it up like this:
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