Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Kindness And The Present Moment



When we are in the present moment, we experience the magic of life.  We have the presence to catch that double rainbow after a rainstorm.  We can recognize little miracles happening all around us.


As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out of present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care and love- even the most simple action
~Eckhart Tolle, The Power of NOW


 
The other day I went shopping and I was anything, but, in the present moment. I hurried by one woman as I dashed to fill my basket with fruits- there were no hellos or smiles. I did not compliment her on what I thought was such an awesome coat on this blustery March day. Moments later I passed a mother and her young child. Although I was smiling inside at the beauty of her sweet baby, there were no adoring comments as I went on to select my bread. My own preoccupations had kept me from what was really important. Down the aisles I flew, in the bubble of my own world.  It was the repeated image of the first woman I kept seeing in my mind that broke me free. I saw her looking at me, perhaps in the same way I was looking at her. Did I make her feel passed by? Transparent? or was she just as preoccupied as me? By the time I reached the checkout, I was back in the NOW
making eye contact, exchanging kindnesses with everyone - it made me flow with joy again.


If we are to bestow kindness to others, let us honor the present moment so that we can recognize and act on those opportunities (big or little) that come to us each day.


Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for kindness.
~Seneca


If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do
to any fellow human being,
let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it,
as I shall not pass this way again.
~William Penn


Live in the present moment and let your kindness flow.


8 comments:

Maria said...

Hi Doreen!
Welcome to blogland :o)
Your story reminds me of my own life... busy days ~ hardly looking up from what I'm doing.
So often the joys and blessings pass us by from the hurry of life.
I pray to stay "AWAKE" through as many moments as possible to see the richness of what is there.
Great first post, sister!
love always,
Maria

koralee said...

Welcome Doreen....I am soooo happy you have a blog.

I so agree with you my friend...we sometimes forget to be human in our busy daily life.

Thank you for this I really needed your sweet reminder.

Hugs for a great evening. xoxoxoxox

Julie Harward said...

I am Maria's friend and just came to say WELCOME...love your first post..so true! I believe that we should always obey those warm hearted impulses right away! Good luck here..you will love it! Come say hi any time :D

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Hi Doreen,

As I read your lovely post, I kept seeing you and Maria in your beautiful, fluffy white coats.

Your story is very recognizable, I sometimes wish I could turn back time to share a kind word. I find myself smiling often though, especially to the senior citizens.

Warm welcome in blog land, Doreen, off you are to meeting lots of lovely ladies!

Have a happy Thursday, sending some sweet Spring sprinkles your way ^*^*^*^*^*^

Anonymous said...

Thank you Doreen for your observations and wisdom on kindness. Your messages will be a tremendous reminder and help me become a better Christian. I’m very proud of you.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog Mommy! You did a wonderful job. Thanks for leting people be kind from your blog!!! Have a great time with the next part of your blog. I hope you have fun!
Love,
Marcy

~Chris said...

Great blog idea and first post. Ditto to Marcy's comment. Have fun, encourage others and most of all inspire love. Great place for all three to bloom.
Love always ... Chris

Liv said...

Always pushing ourselves to be patient and kind to eachother is a wonderful gift. I hold our gift of friendship in an incredible place. You are magical and can give the gift of kindness to many people... congratulations on this incredible blog, hold it as your gift.