even if it is only kindness
notes from june
even if it is only kindness
the kind of giving that takes no extra time, energy, or money
written by june, moondog yoga
"you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!"
anne frank
we often think of giving as something that requires extra time, energy, money, or resources. we volunteer when our schedule allows, help when we have the energy and donate when we can afford to.
guess what? kindness doesn't require any of those things.
kindness is simply a smile to a stranger. having a little patience with the person in front of you. listening instead of rushing to respond or thinking about what our response will be. it is also letting someone merge into traffic, checking in on a friend or offering encouragement when someone is having a hard day.
sometimes, kindness means giving yourself a little grace. to me the greatest act of kindness starts with ourselves. we all have days when we're tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply running on empty. on those days, life may feel like a struggle.
however, we can still choose how we move through the world. perhaps we can soften our words, take one deep breath allowing us to respond instead of react which many times allows kindness to seep in. maybe we can remember that everyone we encounter is carrying something we cannot see.
our practice isn't just about what happens on the mat. the physical practice gives us opportunities for knowing (noticing) ourselves -- our habits, our reactions, our tension, our tendency to push or judge. that awareness gives us the power of choice. the choice of asking ourselves: can i soften? can i just breathe? can i be kind to myself?
then we take our experience on the mat into our life off the mat.
we don't have to change the world in one grand gesture. we don't have to have all the answers or endless amounts of energy to make a difference.
we light our lamp, so we can light the world.
it's the smallest things that matter most: a kind word, a patient response, a friendly smile, helping, a moment of genuine attention, a little compassion for ourselves and others.
we can always, always give something -- even if it is only kindness. honestly, many times that is more than enough.
notes from june
more reflections from the studio on the moondog yoga blog
light your lamp and you light the world
june and the moondog team