When we see another person in need and act selflessly to help or to cheer them up, we are performing a Random Act of Kindness. Typically this would be for a stranger, someone we may encounter and interact with just that one time. This is an obvious concept of course, but in our fast paced lives today it's well worth taking a moment to reflect and open our awareness so that we can see the many ways we can make this a pattern that becomes part of who we are.
There are aspects of Yoga practice that come into play in this arena as well. As we move deeper into our practice, there are aspects above and beyond the asanas we perform together in our classes at Lotus7. Among these would be non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-coveting. In fact there is a school of Yoga called Karma Yoga that is the Yoga of Selfless Service.
OK, how do we perform Random Acts of Kindness? It seems to me that this can range from something as simple as smiling at someone who's having a bad day to paying the toll for the car behind you in addition to your own on a toll road. How about clearing litter from your street? When driving, how about letting a car turn out of a parking lot or out of their home? When parking, why not give up a parking space? Holding the door for an older or handicapped person as they enter or leave a building? Of course, this is not limited to human interaction. There are kindnesses that can be extended to animals as well.
The possibilities are endless. This concept is as old as the scriptures - doesn't it come down to treating others as we would wish to be treated? I've heard (and I believe) that how we treat others whom we don't need or want something from is a measure of our character.
There are some great examples at Lotus7. There are teachers who donate their time to teach blind and elderly students. An inspiring case is one of our students, Teri Pike, who takes time to walk and tend to injured and abandoned Golden Retrievers at the local rescue center. She's featured in our spotlight this month. What a great example to set for us all!
There are few endeavors we can undertake in this life that leave everyone involved better off for having been present. Random Acts of Kindness certainly fit that bill. Now, let's all commit to going out and making some people happy who may not be expecting it from us. Just think how much good this does for your spiritual well being. Namaste
Copyright 2007 George Carter. All rights reserved.
George Carter has4CB been teaching and seeking to help others with special needs and is committed to helping others to improve their lives through Yoga principles. He continues his daily personal practice and studies regularly with Bob Metzler and his teaching practice is heavily influenced by the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. He is also editor for L7 Lifestyles newsletter for Lotus7 Yoga and Pilates located in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Sign up for more yoga and pilates articles at http://www.lotus7yoga.com
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