Random Acts of Kindness

The Morning Muse:
Random acts of kindness are selfless, giving acts to help, uplift, or better someone else's life. They are often unplanned. They can be as simple as paying the toll of the car behind you or as grand as donating a large some of money to a charity that comes knocking at your door. There exists a theory (made popular in the Kevin Spacey movie, Pay it Forward) that if everyone sets their intention to practice three random acts of kindness as repayment for every one they receive, random acts of kindness would spread throughout society and create a social movement. Although, a social movement of kindness is motivation enough to start doing these random acts, there is another reason to practice random acts of kindness. And, ironically, it is a selfish reason. I know this goes against the definition of a random act of kindness being selfless. But, hear me out. I am the biggest supporter of personal development and self-growth (The self-improvement section of the bookstore is a very dangerous place for my wallet). I believe that one aspect of personal development is to look deeply at yourself, BUT... I believe that in order to truly grow, to raise your vibration, you need to embrace the power of altruism. Random acts of kindness are one way to start being altruistic on a daily basis. Outputting goodness into the world breaks self-absorbant and self-obsessive patterns. SO, even though random acts of kindness are supposed to be selfless, I don't see any harm in using them to better yourself and your spirit. It is a win/win situation. If we all practiced random acts of kindness, for selfless or selfish motivations, with the intention of changing the world or changing ourselves, we will ultimately accomplish both. The more we change the world for the better, the better we each become. The more we change ourselves for the better, the better the world becomes. This is the power of altruism! So, I am setting the intention to practice at least three random acts of kindness today, regardless if I have received one or not, and I encourage you to join me. Let's spread kindness together!

*Sidenote* I want to give you an example of how setting your intention in the morning really can work to create your day and change your life. Yesterday I met a wonderfully bright and enthusiastic girl, a friend of a friend, who had bean reading my blog. She was so excited to share her story with me about how she set her intention in the morning and all these amazing things started happening. She is a teacher and yesterday she set her intention on career development and she received not one but two opportunities to advance her career, one of which she had been waiting on for the longest time. See...setting your intention really works!

Gratitude Review:
1. I am grateful to be able to use my words to make a difference, however small, in someone's life. I have said it before, but I will say it again... knowledge is power. So, if you have insight, share it! I am so thankful to be given opportunities to convey my messages. I am grateful for the internet, for the schools that I teach classes, for the pads and pads of paper that I keep my notes. We are living in the information age, and although we need to filter the information we take in, I am so thankful to be living in this age.
2. I am extremely appreciative of farmer's markets. I live in Ocean Beach, here in San Diego, and they have a farmer's market every Wednesday night. In NYC, I used to go to the one in Union Square. Anyway, the OB farmer's market is particularly wonderful. I just love walking around and checking out all the organic fruit and yummy chocolates (oh, and I love, love, love all the samples). Also, there is always some local musician or musicians playing infectious music. There is a real feeling of community, and an amazing energy to the market scene. Even if I only buy one little thing, I am always happy I experienced it. So, I am thankful for all farmer's markets, but especially the OB farmer's market.
3. I am grateful for worn-in sweats. There is nothing better than coming home after a long day and slipping into my old West Virginia sweatshirt (which I think I might have actually gotten at a thrift store in West Virginia) and a pair of comfy sweatpants. I am especially thankful for my sweats when it gets colder in San Diego and I have drafts coming through my windows (my place may have lots of character, but what it doesn't have is insulation). So, thank you warm and comfy sweats!

Daily Musings:
Todays tip is to practice random acts of kindness (try to do at least three)!

If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.
- Tenzin Gyatso (the 14th Dalai Lama)

I believe that includes kindness! Have an amazingly altruistic day!