There are so many opportunities to practice loving-kindness in the day to day happenings that make up a life. Letting a car pull out in front of me during my commute, slowing down, holding a door, giving a smile, a compliment or a kind word. The treats of surprising someone by paying for their coffee, their meal, groceries or toll. Writing notes of love, support, appreciation and gratitude for family, friends and strangers. Sharing what we love and allowing others to share with us in return. It makes for a happy life and joyful heart. It also can be done anony
mously and is a bit impersonal most of the time.
This past week has gifted me with opportunities to examine "what more can I do" - and it involves stepping out of my comfort zone. 1:1 interaction beyond social norms and opening myself even when I may be uncomfortable or nervous because it is the right thing to do.
Last night I came home from work to find a young man who lives near me standing in the dark in the middle of the street looking bewildered and frazzled. This young man has a mental illness. My initial thought was to call the police or go get his father to handle it, but he came to me before I could do either. And we talked. When I asked if he was OK he honestly answered revealing he was having an anxiety attack, had taken some medication for it and was walking to try and calm down. I can appreciate the value of walking to calm down and shared this with him. I told him I was concerned for his safety walking in the streets when it was dark. He told me he had a flashlight and would turn it on to help. 5 minutes of conversation and he headed home as his father pulled up. 5 minutes to change from a situation to be handled to becoming a human being imprinted on my heart.
I went in my home thinking about our exchange, and still worried for his safety while walking at night. What more could I do? I wished he had some type of reflective gear on to make him more visible to motorists ... so I went on line and ordered him some.
One more spirit, one more connection.
This past week has gifted me with opportunities to examine "what more can I do" - and it involves stepping out of my comfort zone. 1:1 interaction beyond social norms and opening myself even when I may be uncomfortable or nervous because it is the right thing to do.
Last night I came home from work to find a young man who lives near me standing in the dark in the middle of the street looking bewildered and frazzled. This young man has a mental illness. My initial thought was to call the police or go get his father to handle it, but he came to me before I could do either. And we talked. When I asked if he was OK he honestly answered revealing he was having an anxiety attack, had taken some medication for it and was walking to try and calm down. I can appreciate the value of walking to calm down and shared this with him. I told him I was concerned for his safety walking in the streets when it was dark. He told me he had a flashlight and would turn it on to help. 5 minutes of conversation and he headed home as his father pulled up. 5 minutes to change from a situation to be handled to becoming a human being imprinted on my heart.
I went in my home thinking about our exchange, and still worried for his safety while walking at night. What more could I do? I wished he had some type of reflective gear on to make him more visible to motorists ... so I went on line and ordered him some.
One more spirit, one more connection.
1346 Reads
- Posted by eckyssister
- Apr 8, 2018
- Comments (15)
Readers Comments
savraj wrote: Beautiful. An amazing exchange and so thoughtful of you to take action and order those reflectors!
mindyjourney wrote: thank for taking a moment and reaching deeper into kindness and a little out of your comfort zone <3. Good to see you here, my friend. Blessings to that young man and to you as well.
splain wrote: This is well done. You take kindness and caring for a person to a whole different level. You are something else, lovely
melnotes wrote: Thank you for your gratitude in the everyday things and then steeping out of your comfort zone!
bountiful wrote: love it thankyou for all your thoughts and sharing for thoughts of positiveness and joy for all...::))
pluto178 wrote: Now you see for me thats a true RAOK it serves purpose, its kind, thoughtful, helpful and pretty darn wonderful. Thank you for taking the time and for caring from the heart.x
pyronik wrote: what a kind act, & what a great story :-) Like the idea of the reflective clothing too. Action calms our conscience. Is walking with him an option for you - a walk & talk?
AndiCas wrote: I loved this post. Thankyou for sharing it. The most valuable thing in the world is someone's time and presence, which you freely gave to this young man. Thankyou.
mish wrote: Beautiful post.
