The power of an act of kindness
A favorite poem by George Eliot reads:
"If you sit down at the set of sun,
And count the acts that you have done,
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went —
Then you may count that day well spent."
Try This
There's no one out there reading this who doesn't want to be kinder.
But, as philosophers, religions, and scientists have noted, we sometimes struggle with turning our intentions into action. That's why we need deliberate rituals that help.
Every day, as you get into bed, take Eliot's advice and take a count. Where did you bring a little bit of light to someone's day?
If you don't find anything, don't turn towards yourself with shame. Treat yourself with kindness: it's a moment to learn and to improve. Did you need to take care of yourself in some way? Was your day too busy? Did you miss asking for help when you needed it? You can learn from it, and try to remedy it tomorrow.
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