Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four | Day Five | Day Six | Day Seven | Day Eight | Day Nine
21-Day Kindness Project: Day 9
– St. Augustine
Today’s suggestion involves going beyond your usual circles and engaging with someone you don’t know very well. You might invite a new neighbor on your block, or colleague at work, to coffee or lunch, or make an effort to talk to someone at your school or work that seems lonely. You could strike up a conversation on the bus, in the elevator, at your neighborhood coffeehouse, or connect with someone on the street or the person selling the “Real Change” newspaper.
When people feel “seen” by a stranger in this way, they often feel better about themselves. It allows them to feel more connected to the web of people and activity around them. Too often people feel invisible, and that they are living on the “outside” of life. This disconnection can lead to isolation and depression. The idea today is to simply broaden your circle of caring and connection in a small but heartfelt way.
Smiling at those who cross your path is another way of connecting. Try silently sending good wishes towards all those who you interact with and see how that nurtures and grows your own feelings of goodwill to all. Where we intentionally put our hearts and minds can be a powerful force for good in the world.
