Kindness Outside Orchestra Rehearsal

"Obviously, you would give your life for your children, or give them the last biscuit on the plate.  But to me, the trick in life is to take that sense of generosity between kin, make it apply to the extended family and to your neighbour, your village and beyond."
~ Tom Stoppard

On a recent evening as one of my children and I left orchestra practice, another orchestra mom approached me with a bag.  She said that her son had outgrown some of his orchestra clothes and did I think that my son might have use for them.  This mother and I have never exchanged much more than hellos as we pass each other at practices and performances, and I was struck by her very unexpected kindness.

The Kindness of a Door Opened

"And as I've gotten older, I've had more of a tendency to look for people who live by kindness, tolerance, compassion, a gentler way of looking at things."
~ Martin Scorcese

Recently, my children and I met up with another family for an evening frozen yogurt outing.  As I walked to my car, I realized that my friend's teenage son was walking with me.  This is, of course, the young man who is an amazing door opener.  (I have written about his once scaling a bush to open my car door.)  And his accompanying me to the car was to do just that.  It had been a while since I had gotten the royal door-opening treatment and it was greatly appreciated.

The Kindness of a Hand

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm; as you get older, remember you have another hand:  The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."
~ Audrey Hepburn

On a recent evening, I attended an event at a school gymnasium for one of my children.  On the way up the stands, I noticed that the first step was a doozie -- it was quite high.  Sometime later, I made my way down the bleachers.  As I approached the last step, a woman I didn't know who was already on the gym floor, extended her hand and helped me down.  Talk about a hand when you need one!

The Kindness of a Phone Call and the Gift of Time

"Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small.  We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time."
~ Georgia O'Keefe

My lovely friend called recently to check in.  We usually see each other almost weekly, but it had been a couple of weeks at least.  We had a very nice conversation, which ranged from serious to silly and back again.  We laughed, which is always a gift.  Time went by and before we knew it, we had been on the phone for nearly an hour.  It was wonderful to talk with her and I very much appreciated her taking the time.

The Kindness of "Don't Stress"

"The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

The other day, a professional colleague told me, "Don't stress."  Many times when people tell you that, they are simply telling you not to worry about whatever is causing you angst.  But in this case, my colleague was telling me not to worry about something because she would take care of it.  That's a "don't stress" that works.

Kindness at the Sub Shop

"Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all.  They're underused."
~ Tommy Lee Jones

A woman I know accompanied her daughter to a sub shop that they frequent, although usually the mother waits for the daughter outside in the car.  After her daughter ordered, the gentleman at the cash register asked the mother if the girl was her daughter.  Yes.  The gentleman went on to tell the mother that her daughter is one of the most polite and nicest people who comes into the store.  Yes, the mother beamed.

Choosing to Act Out of Kindness

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."

~ Washington Irving

 

I have a college classmate whom I don't see as often as I would like, but we have a special friendship.  A very kind person, he will send me things that he reads or hears about kindness.  And every time I hear from him, I smile and I am grateful for his friendship.  He is the kind of person who chooses to act out of kindness.

 

This is what he sent me today:

Note to Self:  "What is my purpose in life?"  I asked the void.  "What if I told you that you fulfilled it when you took an extra hour to talk to that kid about his life?"  Said the voice.  "Or when you paid for that young couple in that restaurant?  Or when you saved that dog in traffic?  Or when you tied your father's shoes for him?  Your problem is that you equate purpose with goal-based achievement.  God or the universe or morality isn't interested in your achievements... just your heart.  When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose.  No need to look any further." 

 

With a special thanks to Paul at NotetoSelf -- One Man's Journey to Become a Better Person by Talking to Himself, the author of this gem. http://notetoselfphilosophy.com/