Kindness of Strangers

Beautifuls! Happy summer! As many of you may know, summer begins the crux of my reading. I’m a total cornball and even develop a summer reading list to savor in the hot days of summer after a good ride, run, tennis match or swim in the Lake. So, my latest read, “The Kindness of Strangers,” includes a preface from the Dalai Lama who encourages us to think about the many ways  our survival depends on the kindness of other sentient beings. It seems a perfect question to ponder in our exploration of “altruism,” this month of July.  We can begin with the very basic kindnesses we’ve all experienced from our parents who brought us into the world (weither known or unknown), the animals, plants and minerals that we consume to nourish and keep us alive, the sun that warms our earth and without which we could not exist....you can go down the rabbit hole very quickly. The question after the pondering is then, “why then in the middle (of life) should we not act kindly toward others?”

When exploring altruism, I hold to be true that kindness is a path of paying attention to the needs of others, being thankful for the many ways that we ourselves are supported and to wish with a noble heart, to return our good fortune with those whom we cross paths. It truly is a matter of common sense. What is done for me, benefits me and comes back as a benefit and blessing to others.

As another tidbit of interest, “The Kindness of Strangers,” posits that an altruistic act is most clearly defined as selfless when done for a complete stranger. Why? Our identity is unknown, thereby shadowing the need for approval or secondary benefit. Also, recipients of the kindness of strangers report that the acts, no matter how small, tend to be remembered and treasured. Why? For the exact same reasons, the motive is pure and without ulterior motive.

Loves, let’s get out there and keep our eyes peeled for the many ways to express kindness and allow the fuel of our own experiences of kindness to inspire us on this summery altruistic exploration!