Some Good News
So much of what is presented to us on a daily basis - in the news, online, in movies and series - feed us thoughts and ideas stemming from fear. While there are genuine things to fear in life, we've never encountered so many things, all at once, including problems relating to people, situations and places that aren't related to us and fall outside our scope of control.
Given this, I thought it might be pleasant to look for antidotes happening right now in the world. Small rays of bright light piercing through the clouds, if you will. After all, we live in a world where love, peace, joy, generosity and kindness can be found and experienced. In fact, when we make it a point to look out for these things, we can be astonished how many displays we find every day.
Part of life and growing is about taking the bitter with the sweet. Our lives aren't all cherries and rainbows. Sometimes, though, the challenges we face can be a foil for goodness. Think back to moments when you experienced a difficulty and then felt, acutely, the kindness of another.
I remember reading and hearing about people from all walks of life coming together to help each other during the blackout in southern Ontario many years ago. Business people worked alongside cab drivers in directing traffic, providing cash (since bank machines were down), water and food. While such situations are unwanted, they can be fantastic opportunities to put kindness into practice.
It's also perhaps why when we meet people who are extraordinarily kind, we shouldn't be so surprised to learn that they've often overcome incredible obstacles in their life. The more of life we've truly felt, experienced and processed, the more we have to offer others. Empathy, tolerance and acceptance are hugely valuable and help us to heal.
One can hear this beautifully articulated in Naomi Shihab Nye's poem, Kindness, read by Emma Thompson (click here to access it).
One of the ways we show kindness in society is by recognizing one another as living beings deserving of respect, even when we've done wrong. This can be seen in practice when we don't judge someone for making a mistake, when we forgive others, and when we forgive ourselves. Refusing to gossip about other people's losses and failures and letting them tell their own story are other ways we demonstrate respect for life.
There's a heartwarming short documentary on Netflix called The Quilters that provides us with a perspective most of us don't often see. To view the trailer, click here.
It's part of our life's journey to experience a full range of emotions. For some, the intensity, frequency and duration of certain thoughts and feelings can be more difficult than for others. It really doesn't matter how privileged or not a person is, their age or what part of the world they come from - it seems to be widespread.
Recently, Chris Martin shared that he's been experiencing depression and shared some things that have helped him, in an effort to help others. To hear about the tools and approaches that have been lifting him up, click here.
Some of the things that have been lifting me up lately are happening outside. June means it's strawberry season! The alliums and peonies are blooming. Clematis and irises, too. Roses are at their best this month, including a yellow one in my garden whose fragrance I love. This floral peak period means many of us are spending more time outdoors. Amongst the popular creatures we find there are hummingbirds. Click here to see an awe-inspiring episode about this beautiful and resilient small bird.
Another delight from the UK that many of us share is the lovely Mary Berry. She has several new cooking and baking episodes that we can watch here in Canada through her Youtube channel. She shares fish recipes, salads, party food favourites and desserts. There's bound to be something of interest if you're doing any entertaining this summer or enjoy cooking alongside the comfort of Mary's wisdom.
... and although the English countryside is very soothing, so, too, is the cooking of an Italian grandmother. Nonnas, a new comedy movie on Netflix stars Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon and Lorraine Bracco, among others. It's uplifting to see a new film that's light and bright and easy to relax with on a cozy night. In fact, another such film which will be out in cinemas mid-June is Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. This is sure to be on the list of our several Jane Austen-loving customers!
Thank you for spending some time with us to look at a few uplifting things in our culture at the present time. What's brightening your days lately? We enjoy hearing about things that create moments of joy and peace. Please feel welcome to comment or share with us in person.
