¶ … Kindness
At our group discussion on kindness earlier this month (I lead a monthly discussion group on the 10 Steps), we identified three kinds of kindness to focus on as we develop the habit of kindness. I thought I would share this part of the discussion with you.
Spontaneous Kindness
This is the sort of kindness that is in response to a perceived need or opportunity. You might see a colleague looking sad and ask if everything is all right. You might offer a helping hand to a neighbor. You might greet a person passing by with a smile and hello.
While driving a few months ago, I noticed a woman in a wheelchair on the sidewalk next to a van parked at the curb. The van had a ramp that was partially unfolded, but seemed to be stuck. The woman held something in her hand -- I couldn't tell if it was a control for the van or perhaps a cell phone. As I passed by, I looked for a driver or someone nearby who might be helping her, but I saw no one.
I continued another block or two wondering whether an offer of help would be appropriate or an unwelcome intrusion, but decided to circle back and see. I pulled over behind her van, got out, and asked her if she needed some help. Yes, she said. If I could just pull the bottom section of the ramp...
..no longer worthy to be called your son," the father rejected that statement, and instead ordered "the best robe" be brought, placed a ring on the son's finger and "sandals on his feet." The father then ordered a "fattened calf" be butchered, for a "feast" honoring his wayward son's return. This son of mine," the father told his younger son, "was dead and is alive again..." Meanwhile, the oldest son "became angry"
A young couple down the street, both of whom worked at a home improvement center, were able to pick up paint, tools, and supplies at a discount and when the company heard about the project, they donated the lumber to repair Mrs. Maryble's fence and gate, and even furnished her with a new front door. They also furnished new lighting fixtures for her front porch. By the time it was over,
Kindness Many are the times we are called upon to help other people without expecting to receive anything in return. In basic terms, an act of kindness should be random. Early this year, I chose to attend a football match between my favorite team and another popular team. The stadium was packed to capacity with fans wildly cheering on their favorite team. From time to time, people would rise from
Kindness It may sound cliched, but I believe that kindness is a self-perpetuating cycle. When I take positive steps to improve the lives of others, this can inspire them to go forward and take such steps themselves. In such a way, acts of kindness can grow exponentially throughout a family, community, or nation. I recently had the opportunity to start a chain reaction of kindness when volunteering with my daughter's cheerleading
The first person that I helped was one of my good friends. She was scheduled to take a test in one of her classes when she got a call from her daughter's school that her daughter was sick and needed to go home. I was with her and offered to go pick up her daughter and watch her until she could finish her testing. I did not really feel
Altruism and Acts of Kindness Random and anonymous acts of kindness are indeed, an excellent way to touch the lives of other people and hence, make the world a better place to live. All it takes to perform such acts is a simple intention. Such acts make you feel good; even contented and satisfied at times. I experienced the feeling last Christmas Eve. It was while standing in my kitchen making
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