Tag: Kindness

This Human Invitation.

A little one approached me urgently at the store today. “Your going to trip,” he declared, pointing at the obvious lace-based tripping hazard. “Don’t worry,” he added, “I can fix it.” And, taking a knee he began what would soon prove a note-worthy effort.

Five minutes passed swiftly, and then another ten. I sat patiently waiting until he finished his task. His face beamed with pride as he examined his ‘work’. ‘When you do it right,” he explained, pointing to the loops. “When they’re just the right size, you don’t trip.”

I stopped for a moment considering all the many times I allowed my own life to become unbalanced. Whether through taking on far too much, or simply letting things get out of hand, I inadvertently created a space for the chaos of this resulting energy. Not to mention, making room for each and every one of its subsequent ‘tendrils’.

We make room for the ‘good’, yes – and also, the ‘bad’. We invite each of them in, hoping, in turn, that they may help to encourage light. Within ourselves, our surroundings and throughout each and every aspect.

What remains is what we choose to create; the subtleties of a continuously shifting light. And through the actions of this sacred heart, we find ourselves mesmerized by the promise of hope.

We are both the actor and the observer tucked within a miraculously human shell.

A little something to remember, my friends…

In peace,

Namaste ❣️

How to Help This Garden Grow.

There’s an onion that grows wild in the forests of Asia. Its spice lends such a delicate aroma, a perfect balance for the local cuisine. People travel from many miles away simply to partake in its savory goodness.

You might think, given its popularity, that the plant’s essence might soon be depleted. But, quite the opposite is true. In fact, were you to harvest it’s sweetness, it would grow back much stronger than ever before.

The send is true of human kindness and generosity. “We exist in interbeing with all of life,” Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh shares. “When we understand this fundamental truth, our acts of giving will be made in the spirit of nondiscrimination.”

We do, not because we expect acknowledgement or reward – but, rather simply, because the energy of goodness belongs to all and in this space we are the means by which it grows.

“We don’t have to give $100,000 or even $10,” he writes. “instead we can offer a smile or a loving, compassionate gaze. We can give the gift of our calm, concentrated presence to help someone who is fearful or anxious. We can make an offering of our time and energy and work with the homeless, or with those who are prisoners or are addicted to different substances, or to work on helping the environment. We have plenty of gifts to offer; we are far wealthier than we may imagine. We can help secure the happiness of many people even if we don’t have a single penny in our pocket. When we are motivated by the desire to give, even if we have not yet offered anything yet, just the intention to offer our help and understanding, our willingness to listen and communicate, begins to lessen our own and others’ suffering.”

It is this simple act of giving that serves as a catalyst to our own awakening. And our actions, a measure of change. In the end, only love can make this garden grow.

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❣

The Responsibility of Kindness.

I’ve never understood the inherent cruelty within some human beings. More specifically the need to inflict harm upon wound, to cause pain in the wake of misunderstanding.

As a Buddhist, I try to remain open to their pain. As a human, I try to identify with their sense of brokenness. As a teacher, I try to help them to become whole.

But, often there is a ‘cost’ to be paid. Old wounds ache under the catalyst of new as a toppling of balance becomes evident.

There’s a subtlety in our offering, my loves – one which begs the light of compassion even as the heart may sense closing. And we must be ever-mindful to its cause, to effect those much greater changes.

In a sense, we must be willing to set aside the sting of our wounds -if only for this aspect of a single moment in which we may reach the heart of another.

In this space we find our greatest potential, a blessing intended for all of humanity.

This is the responsibility of all living beings.

In peace…

Namaste <3

The Sweetness of Service.

Author John Holmes once wrote, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

And, we’re faced with this prospect nearly every day, aren’t we?  The dearest of souls simply requiring a helping hand. Yet, what is it that holds us back? What causes uncertainty to progress to hesitation, and ultimately to still another lost chance?

As many of you know, I’ve been feeling a bit down as of late. Nothing that I know won’t soon find its way, leaving lessons of life and resilience in its place. Though, for me? The greatest pain is being distracted in my capacity to serve.

Yesterday, carried with it the ‘sweetest’ of blessing – a couple whose kindness always welcomed us in. The first we met, I had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Overwhelmed I stopped for a few treats in tow.

There’s something so inviting of a generous heart. You feel its presence immediately as it surrounds. And, as you leave your own smile carries this energy forward.

From that moment on, my darlings, I was hooked.

I love visiting a space that welcomes you in. There’s an ease of energy about it; no need to put on airs. Sweet Cascades was that place for me, a chocolatier and gracious host of all who passed by. Nestled in the historic centuries old town of Ellicott City, Sweet Cascades has served as a landmark for kindness, chocolate and sweetness of heart.

13412987_1470147268.505_funddescriptionSadly though, on July 30, 2016 – a one in a million rainstorm devastated the entirety of the community. Buildings were toppled like children’s blocks as the storm waters rose and raged through.

“It was insane” one woman commented. “It was a flash flood…All I can say is, I’m just happy to be alive.”

In the aftermath the shop owners were left with even more distressing news, as they learned their insurance wouldn’t cover the damage.

Today, my darlings – I’m reaching out to all of you; knowing already your generosity of heart and your ability to band together. Please help our friends, Sue and Rick Whary, who’ve always served their community with open heart and arms to surround.They’ve been an incredible support and it’s time for the kindness to be returned.

I know we all have a little extra in our pockets right now; why not use it to be of service to a community desperately in need? Don’t let this opportunity pass.

If you’re unable to donate, perhaps you might help with a ‘share’ – help me broaden these rings of kindness.

Click Here to Donate to Support our Community!

https://www.gofundme.com/2hm8cwws ECStrong

Thank you my dearest loves, and remember – sharing is caring!

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

 

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 ❤️

This Energy of Love.

“Even while the earth sleeps we travel. We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and are scattered.”

My darlings, this morning I am inspired by the words of Kahlil Gibran – who reminds us of our purpose here:

We are all but travelers here; swift messengers of hope – sharing our love where others fear to tread.

And united in one central belief, that no one need suffer alone.

With these two hands, we help.

And, with lightness of heart – we heal.

Our energy is shared through each interaction, however brief – like seeds scattered to the wind, these roots of Humanity are formed.

Make no mistake, my dearest darlings – it is you and I who’ll help shape this world.

One thought…

One hope…

One simple deed.

Through each act of kindness, we honor the energy of love.

A Chance for Love.

“Within each challenge, there is love.”

Those were the words once spoken to me by my dearest friend and mentor. The year was 1992, and my grandfather had been hospitalized for heart failure. Sadly, he wasn’t expected to make it through the night.

At just 23 years old, I had barely enough life experience to navigate through such sadness. Though thankfully, I had the loving heart of a dear friend at my service.

The circumstances of his passing were difficult, at best. It was early February, and the airports had been closed due to a passing ice storm – making my 3,000 plus mile journey nearly impossible.

Adding to this, was a direct line supervisor – who saw weakness as an opportunity to deny my leave request.

I remember making my way to the pay phone in the hallway of our dorm. “I’m so sorry, Mom,” I cried, “But, they said I’m not allowed to come home.”

To this day, I’ll never forget the sound of my Mother’s tears – even though, she did her very best to mask.

It was just then that I heard a familiar voice call out. “Tell me, who is that you’re speaking to?”

When I explained the circumstances of my upset – the airports, the ice storms, the denial of my leave request – he simply smiled, and said,

“Well then, that’s not so bad.”

Within the hour, he had arranged for my travel home. The airfare, the luggage fees, the taxi to and from each airport – all graciously shared through the generosity of strangers.

“Just remember,” he smiled, as I made my way to the door. “Within each challenge, there is opportunity; and, within each opportunity – there is love.”

Indeed, within every moment – there is an opportunity for love. Including those that may – at times – cause us to crumble. Yes, dear – even in those heart wrenching, unforgivably selfish moments, my darlings – there is a chance for love.

Though, sometimes we need a little darkness – to see how the light finds its way through.

A little something to consider, my darlings – where there is challenge, there is opportunity. And, where there is opportunity – there is a chance for  love.

Namaste.

A Selfless Sort of Love.

“The most treasured and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love.” ― Joseph B. Wirthlin

When I was a little girl, my teacher tried to explain the concept of ‘altruism.’

“There’s no such thing as a truly selfless act,” she offered. “As, in the end, there’s always a reason *why* we’re doing it.”

Even at just 8-years-old, I knew her explanation was suspect. But, lacking the skills and life experience to know – I simply left it, just at it was.

But, for years – I felt compelled to find the means to disprove her pessimism.

For me, I’ve always felt it possible to act in such a way that *is* completely selfless; to give of ourselves without expectation of return. To do, simply for the grace of loving-kindness.

I recently watched a TED talk given by Matthieu Ricard, a Tibetan monk turned activist. He was speaking, in part, on this topic of altruism. And, more specifically – that it *is* entirely possible to act without consideration of benefit or reward.

“There are people who had choice,” he explains. “like Pastor André Trocmé and his wife, and the whole village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon in France.” Who, for the entire duration of the Second World War, provided a safe haven to over 3,500 Jews.

“Against all odds,” he adds “and, at the risk of their lives and those of their family.”

So altruism does in fact exist, my darlings. And, it is compelled by choice.

The choices made in grave to dire circumstances, the actions taken ‘against nearly impossible odds’ – every bit of which, is motivated by an inherently selfless love.

And, within this love, my dearest darlings – is the opportunity to create a better world.

Now, tell me – given the choice, what actions will you take on this day, my loves?

The Power of Bit by Bit.

I saw a homeless man shivering near the tracks today.

From above, I watched as the foot traffic forged its path – like ants avoiding water – never once making contact, rather simply widening their berth.

Sometimes, I wonder, what causes some to continue on, whilst others must turn around? And, why are we so darned afraid to say, “Dear one, I am here for you…”?

And though, I had planned to make an early day of work – it would seem, ‘today’ had other plans.

With the weather sharply turning, I made my way back home – retrieving an old duffel bag, now filled with clothes. I packed a blanket, a winter jacket, and a pair of boots that once belonged to my father.

And then, I made my way back. That’s the right thing to do, you realize – to help others when they are in need.

As I approached, I could see his eyes shifting downward – as if, embarrassed by his circumstances. Or, perhaps – in anticipation of a most certain indifference.

“I have a few things,” I offered, “And, you shouldn’t be out here all alone.” I then handed what little I had gathered, with an offer of a hot breakfast and maybe some coffee.

We made our way to the station cafe, and, pausing at the door, he said, “They say I can’t come in.”

What nonsense is this? That we might turn our hearts away from those who are most in need.

“Charity isn’t about pity,” Mother Teresa once said, “it is about love.”

Indeed, to love without expectation of reward truly is the most noble of things.

And though, we may not be able to change the whole of this world – my darlings, we can certainly do our bit.

And, ‘bit by bit’ is precisely how this candle of compassion remains lit.

To be faithful in those smaller things, because it is within them that our greatest strength lies.