Acts of the Heart to Light Up the World
Yoga means “Connection” – meaning that NOTHING is separate. Neither you and me, nor me and nature, neither man and woman, nor Christians and Moslems, neither Heaven and Earth – the Divine is just in us humans as humans are in the Divine. Says Yoga. Ancient yogic sages have searched the far corners of body, mind and soul to explore, what exactly it is, that makes us feel separate & often tortured and where the sense and the liberation lies in all of this called life? They came to realise that what separates us in the end is our mind and not the nature of things and people, but what we think about them. So if we free our mind, we free ourselves, and uncover the light that we truly are finding meaning in deeper realms of existence.
Now what does this have to do with kindness? In current times there is a tendency to focus on what separates us – from nature, from each other – how about focussing on what connects us, focussing on that which everyone deeply desires, just the same? Let’s start with that … creating ripples.
“What we all have in common is an appreciation of kindness and compassion;
all the religions have this. Love. We all lean towards love.”
Richard Gere
That thing what makes us really tick is being understood, even if the opinion is different, and being loved and treated with kindness. So being kind may be the name of the game and the core of the solution in cooperating to get out of the rut as a community. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of an act of kindness, there’s something about it that feels really good. An act of kindness or random act of kindness is an action taken to improve someone’s life and your own.
Random acts of kindness are proven to boost our mood and mental health. When we help others in being kind, it promotes positive physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. Acts of kindness may seem elusive these days, when the world is dealing with a pandemic, that has us keeping our distance from one another; however, helping others actually improves social support, it helps the entire society, the entire planet to get back on their feet together as a community. United we are so much more powerful to deal with with current issues and engage in meaningful activity. It is the separation that makes us weak.
There are so many ways to show we care! The Power of Kindness may be as small and cost efficient as a smile to a stranger. Please see below some ideas as gentle reminders of this season for mood-boosting acts of kindness for family, friends, neighbours and nature:
1. Being kind to yourself
First and foremost, kindness starts with you and within you! I have put together a list on “how to be kind to yourself at home”. Since we spent a lot of our time at home lately, I thought that is the perfect place to start this December – please click for some home self-love inspiration
here and ideas for self reflection
here.
2. Paying for the coffee or meal of the person in line behind you or at the table next to you
I love this idea because it’s simple, easy and even fun! It delivers a sweet surprise to the unsuspecting recipient (who will hopefully pass the kindness on to another). If you do not have the extra cash, send a smile to the stranger behind you or give a compliment or briefly ask how he or she is!
3. Calling a loved one just to say “I’m thinking of you” or hand-write a letter or seasonal card
We rely so much on communicating through text messages, social media and even email, but nothing can replace the experience of hearing your loved one laugh at your jokes or excitedly share their latest life updates or receive a hand-written letter or postcard. Why not handwrite all seasonal cards this year? Call or write to someone who’s special to you and let them know you’re thinking of them.
4. Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga means Selfless Service. We do something for the Greater Good for someone, sometimes less fortunate, without expecting anything in return.
Taking care of our community
Checking on our elderly neighbour, having a meal delivered to someone dealing with an illness, or a treat delivered to a friend having a rough day. Caring for your community can be as big or small of an act as you want it to be.
Care packages for the homeless or orphanages
Being homeless is difficult, and in the cold winter months it can be especially challenging. Care packages in the winter can help make life a little more comfortable for the homeless. Try to think outside of the box: thermal or wool socks, waterproof gloves, chewable immune-boosting vitamins, Chapstick, sunscreen and band-aids, and non-perishable foods of course. Or sending responsible seasonal presents to the local orphanage.
Giving to local or international charities
that you believe in. Despite the challenges we’ve been facing, many of us still have so much to be grateful for, whether that be our health, jobs, the safety of our families or shelter. In many parts of your country or the world, children and families are struggling, and the global COVID-19 pandemic has made things even harder.
Participate in or start a fundraiser for a cause that moves you
A friend of mine recently shared a link to her fundraiser which got me thinking. We don’t have to have a special holiday or occasion to start a fundraiser. There are so many people in need of support, and so many charities tirelessly advocating for them, it would be an immense act of kindness to step up and help, just because.
5. Shop small & local or review their business
Supporting small local businesses is more important than ever. Many small and independent businesses face an uncertain future in the coming months. Why not incorporate them into our shopping? Some ideas include: purchasing a gift card to a nearby salon or spa, shopping at a local farm, deli or bakery for dinner items, purchasing gifts for birthdays or other occasions from small online shops, and checking out local handmade goods for sale. If you don’t have the funds to spend, you can still help by writing a 5-star review for your favourite local businesses.
6. Shop & gift natural, fair or vintage
Being kind to the earth and humans who create products under difficult conditions is a good point to consider while shopping, keeping nature and fairness in mind – less plastic, less packaging, less garbage. Remember to ask yourself: Where is the product made? Who made it? If the purchase doesn’t stand the test of fairness and socially & environmental responsible, maybe this season’s presents could be in the shape of “gifting time” or “trading”?
7. Donate supplies to a classroom
Teachers are working harder than ever for our children and in some cases, are using their personal dollars to purchase extra classroom supplies. Find out what your child’s classroom could use more of (and what they’re able to accept) and send some extras with your scholar on Monday morning.
8. Be an encouraging and positive online voice – a kind online platform
We’ve all seen posts and comments by people who focus only on the negative or on putting others down. Online bullying can have detrimental effects, so why not do the opposite? Let’s use our online platforms for “Kindness” to lift others up, focus on sharing good news and you’ll be someone people look forward to hearing from.
9. Support the environment
Just bring an extra plastic bag for your next forest or beach walk and pick up any litter. Sign up for a monthly donation like Greenpeace or give that membership as a present. Plant a tree or gift a tree. I know you know how to be kind to nature – it is just a gentle reminder for all of us this season to continue going that extra step as it makes a huge difference. Mother Earth needs it more than ever!
10. Giving Time and Space to others
Let someone in in front of you in line or on the road. Let someone else take that primo parking spot. Stop to assist someone who looks lost – the list is endless – do you have any more ideas to add? please write to
beate@yogabali.com 11. Compliments
Share an encouraging word with service workers like cashiers, grocery store clerks, bus drivers, waiters, delivery workers, etc. – we rely on these individuals so much, yet they’re often the most undervalued (you can even increase the kindness meter by sharing your compliment with that worker’s boss). Compliment someone – it so brightens their day.
In a world where we can be anything, let’s be kind to each other, especially when we have different opinions. An opinion is just an opinion – a thought. It could change tomorrow just like the earth changed from being flat to round. Who knows the ultimate truth? Nobody. Let’s be kind!
So much love to you in this special season! Enjoy a peaceful time with your loved ones. I look forward to see you online to practice yoga together as a community!
written by Beate McLatchie
