The
source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of
happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another
personal's suffering and bring that person joy.
- --Thich Nhat Hanh--
I read this quote and said to myself what a simple form of expression but yet so difficult to practice. I looked at the news this morning and it was full of violent acts and just felt disgusted that we as human beings have allowed ourselves to resort to that level. We have all been through some form of suffering in one way or the other at a certain point in our lives. We know what it feels like to be hurt, to feel pain, to feel the anger, to feel the bitterness, etc. and because we know what it feels like, why would we want to do that to another person - why would we be impulsive in our thoughts/actions/words to hurt another being. Yes others may act violent, others may be selfish, others may be narrow-minded, others may be insensitive and cruel - but if we mimic their behaviors we are equally contributing to the hatred and violence to continue. It becomes a continuous cycle and doesn't end. What if we change our perspective and shift our perspective. what if we change our attitudes and stop ourselves from making assumptions, from jumping to conclusions, from lumping all being to be in one particular category, what if we practice just seeing them for what they are and treat them like how we would like to be treated? we must begin to shift our lens not only for our sake, but for our children's sake. Our children should not be have to live with this kind of mentality and grow up to live in an intolerant society perpetuated by hate and fear.
I liked this quote because it talks about spreading love and joy and the way to do that is by helping others - and it doesn't take much to help others. It could be a word, an action, a smile, a nod, a wish, a greeting, anything that can add to making another person's day better. And it spreads. Because the joy/love you feel is transferred to another person and then that same person is filled with joy and then spreads it consciously or unconsciously to another person by random acts of kindness and then it becomes a ripple effect. Deep down inside of us we all crave to be loved. If that's what we crave, then why would we think that does not hold true for another human being? Mahatma Gandhi says it so profoundly " I will not let anyone walk through our mind with our dirty feet." Each violent thought is part of a larger creative collective force that gets sent out into the universe and it becomes a cycle. So instead of succumbing to thoughts that shrink us, let us hold onto our core human values which will only expand us.
Make a resolution to be part of a movement to shift perspective, and be agents of change. If we witness something that is unjust, we must say so, we must speak up, not remain silent. And always try to help not hurt. Even if we don't get a pat on the back, even if we don't get acknowledged, do it in the spirit that you are contributing to a larger circle that will have ample positive ripple effects.
Happy Journaling!
