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.