One's good deed of the day

A few weeks ago, we wrote about some of the positive things going on right now in the world. We sometimes feel inundated with news and predictions that lean negative. It can take a bit of effort on our part to counteract this and veer back onto a path that feels good, peaceful and productive. 

There are many approaches to refocusing on the positive. Today, as a follow-up to our previous newsletter about good news, we'd like to explore good deeds. This is something a bit more proactive and empowering. While we can shift our focus to the good things in life, we do a lot of good for ourselves and others when we can be creators of kindness in the world.

Good deeds come in a multitude of forms. This also makes it a creative act: from nothing, we can create something that results in positive feelings in others and ourselves. One of the things that's amazing about random acts of kindness is that they can be seemingly small, yet the impact can be greater than we realize. They're activities for which the benefits greatly outweigh the cost involved. When we experience them firsthand, we can sometimes feel like we've discovered one of the secrets of a good life.

Random acts of kindness can arise spontaneously when we're in the present moment. For example, when we're paying attention to our experience and surroundings, we may notice someone fumbling with several bags trying to open a door. This can make the act of opening a door for another naturally spring to mind. (Sadly, if we're staring into our phone we may miss the opportunity to be of service.) Similarly, we may be able to help a parent pushing a stroller or carriage up a curb or staircase by lifting the front end for them. Or pressing an elevator button for another.

Other acts may be something we plan to do. We can plan to perform a kind act for someone we know, and we can plan to perform a kind act for absolutely anyone who crosses our path. For example, while out on a walk, we can make the intention to smile at whomever we walk by. When walking, we may notice some people don't make eye contact, which is fine. Others may look at us and not look pleased, but suddenly smile upon experiencing us smiling at them. This feels good for both of us and feels like we've performed a small act of alchemy.

How much we want to invest into acts of kindness is up to us. We can do things that take but a second, other things that require time to plan and execute, and purchase things and services for others that can cost us any amount at all. It isn't really about the length of time or amount of money. It's about the spirit with which we do it: freely. It's doing it because we want to, we choose to, because it brings us joy to connect with others and do something of service.

There's absolutely no expectation of anything in return. This is an important element because we can all feel the difference between someone being kind and someone performing an act of good with the expectation of something in return. When we seek to give freely, it's okay when we don't see a positive result from our action. Using an earlier example, we may smile at someone on the sidewalk who doesn't smile back at us. Or open a door for a stranger who doesn't say thank you in return. If we're truly giving freely, these don't have power over us to disrupt our intention to be a force for kindness. We recognize that like all things in life, we're not in control of the outcome. We just do our best and surrender the rest.

Are you motivated to make a positive impact in our community? There is so much inspiration around. You may have witnessed an act of kindness at work, while shopping or walking through your neighbourhood. Perhaps you've been on the receiving end of someone else's kindness and would like to pass this positivity on to others. Or maybe you've been inspired by notable people you've read about, heard about or watched online.

As with any area of life you'd like to grow and expand, you can make notes for yourself. Write a list of things you'd like to do. Ideas for how to brighten the day of people you know and don't know. You can even create goals for yourself, if you're so inclined. Create a kindness notebook. Even new little rules of thumb. For example, you may decide that whenever you have a spare toonie in your wallet, you'll purchase a coffee for the person behind you in line at your local coffee shop. Or whenever your garden has an abundance of blooms you'll cut a few and make a bouquet for a neighbour.