True words aren’t eloquent;
eloquent words aren’t true.
Wise men don’t need to prove their point;
men who need to prove their point aren’t wise.
The Master has no possessions.
The more he does for others,
the happier he is.
The more he gives to others,
the wealthier he is.
The Tao nourishes by not forcing.
By not dominating, the Master leads.
What would happen if you didn’t do all you planned to do today? You look at your checklist, 80% of the things are unchecked, not good. Would you be upset? Would your stomach twist up in knots? Well, check it out. The sun will rise and set. People will be born and die. If you died in the next 20 seconds (let’s hope not) no one would care at all about your check list. “What’s the point, Ray?” You ask. Slow it down, focus on what is really important. Take time to be kind and compassionate to yourself and others. Don’t let a checklist become your master.
When one reaches out to help another he touches the face of God. ~ Walt Whitman
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~ Aesop
I stepped outside early this morning. My neighbor was washing a car. I said, “Good morning.” In the course of our brief conversation I learned she was washing her brother’s car and then she was going to take it to get the car’s state inspection. Her brother has cancer. What a doubly kind act on her part. She was a good example for me. When someone is hurting, it’s time to reach out a hand. Most often all it takes is a bit of our time. Reach out.
The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being. ~ Pope John Paul II
James Agee
Sure on this shining night
Of star made shadows round,
Kindness must watch for me
This side the ground.
The late year lies down the north.
All is healed, all is health.
High summer holds the earth.
Hearts all whole.
Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand’ring far
alone
Of shadows on the stars.
Great people create great acts of kindness. ~ Miguel de Cervantes
Most of us will never make headlines. Most of the good we do will go unnoticed. It doesn’t matter, Each of our small acts of kindness makes a difference for somebody. Today, when I leaving the gym, one of the front desk workers was leaving at the same time. I said to her as we passed, “I hope you have the best day ever.” She looked at me and said, “I hope so.” I responded, “You deserve it.” She squeezed my hand and that was it. I wondered what was going on in her life. I didn’t know. I knew she needed a good day. I hope she got one.
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. ~ Albert Schweitzer
NOTE: It’s a human experience to get knocked down. Most times we can bounce back. Every once in a while it’s tough to bounce back and you wonder if it is all worth it. Then, in moments of deepest despair something happens. Something you didn’t expect. It might occur in the form of a call, a text or an email. It might be a colleague or supervisor stepping into your space. Everything changes in that moment. It is as if new life was breathed into you. Some may call these moments miracles or grace or luck. It happens. I’ve had a number of them in my life. I didn’t see them coming, they kicked down my door and walked in. I’ve learned, we have the power within us to be the source of new life for other people. A kind word, a kind action, the simple act of listening thoughtfully all carry the power of infusing new life into another.
