Tuesday, February 11, 2014

ACTS OF KINDNESS


















When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.                     ~ The 14th Dalai Lama (1935)


RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK  February 10-16!

It's no coincidence VALENTINE'S DAY shares the stage with the ACTS OF KINDNESS observance. Love and compassion are expressed through acts of kindness, but the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation  reminds us to be kind every day. Teachers take advantage of the traditional holiday to encourage love, friendship and kindness. We know that kindness and compassion can be taught through modeling, example, and even formal and informal lessons.

But what about Acts of Kindness that are not random? Last week I wrote about the amazing people in my life who demonstrate kindness through their everyday actions, who have stepped up to help me heal from a fractured ankle. Almost everything I do daily, on my own two feet, has become a challenge that I am able to meet because of their generosity. I think I'm being showered with Valentines every day! I'll be so grateful when I can walk on both feet and "pay it forward."

KINDNESS AND SOCIAL CHANGE

We recognize the kindness of individuals. Now, consider the context of this quote, attributed to Margaret Mead: 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has.



I belong to CEASE, a network of early childhood professionals, advocates and activists, parents, teachers and other individuals.  CEASE's Statement of Purpose illustrates how they take action by seeking to remove the root causes of violence in our society by advocating for peace, justice, economic opportunity and sustainability. This group demonstrates KINDNESS and makes a difference to children and families. When I write "demonstrate" I mean to live what they believe, through all the different ways people work, in their professions and volunteer life, activism, advocacy, writing, art for social change, their example.  Isn't this kindness, to care about the world's children through action? Random Acts of Kindness Foundation gives kudos to activists who "walk the talk" like CEASE members do daily, locally and globally. 

Check out the CEASE website and links that tell the story of this dedicated group of people.  Then check out the links on the sidebar, to learn about other groups that Make a Difference. 

See you next time with more on teaching and learning KINDNESS, plus the kindness-spirituality connection. Thanks for visiting and thinking BEYOND BORDERS.  


5 comments:

  1. Dear Irene, How pleasing to find your attention to CEASE and it's work. Indeed, this is not random kindness, but a concerted effort of many to make a difference together. We need all kinds of kindness! I like this way of celebrating Valentines Day. Lucy

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    1. So happy to highlight CEASE, a true example of
      Acts of Kindness. We are CEASE!

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  2. Dear Irene, Thank you for sharing this with me. I am always so thrilled to how closely tied love, peace, kindness, and spiritual development are to one another. Let's keep working to help others see these important links. I think we should also add nature and experiential learning too. What do you think?
    Deb Schein

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    1. I agree, Deb, I want to continue to expand our work on children and spirituality, focusing on nature, environment and experiential learning. I would like to continue the discussion on the role of spirituality as a non-religious element of all our lives. Thank you for keeping the conversation alive.

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  3. I'll be starting my blog again soon. Stay tuned!

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