Imprint Upon Others

"Treat everyone with politeness and kindness,

not because they are nice, but because you are."

Roy T. Bennett

There is endless kindness within everyone.  Unfortunately, we forget and override our good thoughts with fear based hatred, prejudice and injustice.  We have the option to remain focused upon our inner goodness, but generally we give in to a lower mentality.

If we are listening to an uplifting message, we eagerly identify with the richness of the words.  Ten minutes later, we return to our routine and forget what should be at the heart of all matters.  

Life is so fast paced we flick out words we may not even mean nor remember we have spoken.  We need to take more time, pause, and respond allowing our chosen words to positively imprint the life of one other.

Elementary, My Dear

"The strongest people find the courage and caring to help others,

even if they are going through their own storm."

Roy T. Bennett

A basic need in life is caring for each other.  The baby wouldn't survive without a maternal kindness just as the elder may require a caregiver.  Churches, organizations, and individual volunteers extend themselves to help others either financially, physically, or emotionally.

It seems elementary to me, that if someone is hurting, especially helpless children, we the people extend ourselves to the needs of others. Not the intention to enable a person, but to address the basics such as food, cleanliness, and safety.

Raising four children, we sometimes had to forgo an expensive outing, but create a gathering with other families or friends to form a less expensive celebration.  There were times all four children could not get new shoes in the same time frame, unless they lowered their expectations of style or brand.  As a responsible adult it seemed rather elementary to use money to meet family needs rather than spend it on extravagant and superficial items.  So tell me again why the parade on the Fourth of July, costing millions of dollars, was more important than the basic need of  millions of Americans who are without homes and food.

To Give is to Receive

"Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly

live with love ... be there for others ... bring a little light into

someone's day.  Be grateful and live each day to the fullest."

Roy T. Bennett

THE LIGHT IN THE HEART

Perception is a major element in difficult situations. If we can instruct our ego to sit in a time out chair, our vision becomes uncensored.  Not being distracted by the prattle of negativity, we learn to adjust perception by zooming in or broadening the scope of attention.

The action of zooming in helps us to see precisely what is generating emotional pain ... a hurtful memory, a loss, or other emotions.  When we pull back, broadening the view, pain becomes less as it is now a small detail in a landscape of abundance.  This creates a shift in perspective and diverts our focus.

It is important to recognize our funk, but then push on.  Do not loiter and become stuck, shift focus from the self towards others.  Give a helping hand,  Assist.  Be present.  The more we involve our attention in a broader scope, we minimize our inner stress.  It is an opportunity to become a better parent, friend, neighbor or co-worker.  It is in the giving that we indeed receive.