The Tao of a Single Act

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. – Amelia Earhart

It’s amazing isn’t it? How that one kind word or smile, or perhaps those few moments of listening and letting someone know “I am here and you are too,” sends out roots running throughout the social matrix. Kindness is three dimensional, it moves in space and time. That kind act sings to the four directions, up and down, and echo’s in time.

What I enjoy about being kind to others is that it immediately takes me out of social ego, I simply can’t be kind and dwell in social ego at the same time. Perhaps if someone is just acting kind to manipulate then it is socially driven ego running the show. But not when doing a kindness for it’s own sake.

Almost all spiritual journeys and religions point to the same thing. Truthful kindness rises without attachment to outcome. We give because we want to give, not because we will get in return. I know that when I am doing something kind out of the expectation of a return it doesn’t feel like a genuine kindness, it feels contaminated somehow. It’s as though that kindness becomes a social currency and a means of getting something. That’s not the kindness I am suggesting.

Recently I have noticed a creeping in of sadness and depression among people that, pre-Covid 19, were able to stay pretty much in the act of balancing. I think one of the kindest things possible is to feed back to people what you see and project as strengths. That seems to be a much needed dynamic in todays world.

We don’t have to go very far to practice kindness. Family, friends, and the significant people in our lives gives us a perfect practice environment.

Do something kind today for someone in your proximity. Do something kind and don’t tell the person. Do a kindness for a co-worker, a service person (perhaps that cashier at the grocery store?), or one of your animal friends.

And don’t forget, pick one thing today, and do something kind for you. Celebrate how you are in life and celebrate that we are here, all of us amazing people, and have that ability to be KIND.

Take care of you, you are the only you there is!

Bryan Wagner