A friend I’d not seen in months says I’m looking
strong. She means it, for she has
seen me when walking at all was painful, and that sense of despair showed in my
posture.
It is easy to be kind to a small child, or a friend crying,
needing some encouragement.
It takes awareness to change patterns of not being kind to
myself when I need to be more gentle, or say no to a commitment that feels not
true to serving myself or others.
Dancing, singing, making the time to prepare good meals, and
eat without distractions, calling new or old friends, using this computer to
reach out and share….these all give
Joy if I am in
choice. Kind worlds sometimes
could be “Give yourself a break.
Do something relaxing and fun.
Forget the “should do” list, for it will be there for another day if
important.
Yesterday was rainy in
the early morning, turning into sunshine by afternoon. The air was crisp, fresh, and the
leaves are turning in earnest. I
yearned to enjoy Lithia Park, to hang out with others in a quiet way, taking
some pictures I might share with friends. The photo here is taken at North
Mountain Park, where Dot and I began to dance to the rhythm of the band in the
gazebo. Soon the rains will come,
and being outdoors isn’t so inviting.
Kindness is allowing myself simple pleasures! After being in the park and walking among the Lithia
Artisans, I wanted to go to the Bead Studio, take apart two bracelets, and
create new ones for my granddaughter, Taryn, her mom, and myself.
Happily the lady
behind the counter was very helpful, listening well so I could create my
project in this special moment, before I got hungry. I was aware of feeling glad to be creating jewelry that is
unique, fun to wear, reminding me of living from my heart space. Working with beads is meditative for
me; I feel calm, quietly enjoying what unfolds in this collaboration between my
eyes and my fingers. Being aware
instead of judging myself for enjoying a craft that suits my current age, when
making an elaborate embroidered flower on a shirt, or knitting a whole scarf,
feel like too much for my eyes and attention span now. I love making something another may
enjoy instead of buying something that may cost too much, or not even be welcomed. It is a way of sharing my love!
Kindness makes us feel better. It is great to give and to receive
it. There will be enough. We are enough,
just as we are. It affects everyone when we say a kind word of
encouragement or gratitude. There is already plenty of harshness, exclusion,
judgment in our daily lives. Let
us give special attention to being kind whenever possible. Notice how precious life feels when we
make choices out of love, not obligation!
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