Note from Louisa

​My mood feels like the weather as of late, bouncing between breezy spring days, and mournful late winter blizzards, unsure of what season to settle into.
 
There is so much coming at us right now, so much change to adapt to on a seemingly daily basis.  Many puzzle pieces to try to assemble into something recognizable as we wait for what lies ahead in the next news cycle. 
 
Yet, amid all the chaos and challenges to our great social contract, there are still tender moments of presence and the holy that I am fortunate enough to witness in my friends, between strangers at the park, with my children, and the occasional random acts of kindness that restore my sometimes wilting faith in the fundamental goodness of humanity.  It is necessary right now to have evidence that love and compassion are still alive, particularly among strangers.
 
Of course, we may have to look a little more diligently than before for moments of courtesy and warmth. These occasions are quiet and unimposing. They don’t command the spotlight or the news cycle with as much gusto as the fear mongering and hate. They don’t insist on being scrutinized and debated before being digested. They require no acknowledgement at all. They simply are. 
 
Kindness necessitates stillness, some quieting within ourselves to see these gentle moments properly. Having found that quiet, we may further discover ways to initiate our own small acts of kindness and care, reminders that we don’t have to ascribe to judgement or vacuous noise - reminders that civility, respect, and dignity still matter.

How might this look in practice? Gestures both grand and small from paying for the coffee of the car in line behind you, to not cursing the driver that just cut you off in traffic, bring a salve to the soul of both the giver and the receiver. A nod of acknowledgement or welcoming smile when we pass others in the street, seeing within them the bright soul that they are, and not their affiliations to one group or another.
 
We know how to do this. It shouldn’t be hard to remember compassion, to help where help is needed, to be tender and generous.
 
After all, as the Dalai Lama once answered, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” This is a faith we should all share in.
 
Blessings on your journey,
Louisa