The other day, I picked my friend up from out-patient eye surgery. Just as I expected, she was a bit groggy. As I helped her into the front seat of my car, she mentioned that the operating room had “bad energy.” I did not know what she meant. Thinking perhaps it was the dreamy state she was in I shrugged it off. A few minutes into our drive home, my friend began to explain that during the procedure the technicians were curt and rude to each other and also did a lot of complaining about a particular doctor in their practice. I began to understand that even though my friend was in some minor physical post-op pain, she was still focused on the interaction that occurred in the operating room.
Bad energy” has a way of making us feel strange and out of sorts.
We live in what can sometimes be perceived as a harsh world and we would all agree that everyone has bad days. But, battling it out in front of a patient is a far cry from practicing kindness.
Too often, people get caught up in petty disagreements and spend precious time judging others rather than displaying positive attitudes. I love what Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “It is better to be kind than to be right.” I try to remind myself of that whenever I feel I am at a crossroad.
We all know about performing acts of kindness, but are we putting that type of behavior into our daily lives? Perhaps the best way to keep track is to record our acts of kindness. Many people write in a gratitude journal. Why not take a minute to also note exactly how many acts of kindness we performed during each twenty-four hour period?
Where do we start? An easy way is to challenge ourselves to a higher level of awareness of those around us. We have many opportunities every hour to spread a little kindness. My favorite place is the supermarket. I love helping anyone who is struggling with trying to reach an item on a high shelf. In return, I enjoy the smile of thanks I get for that simple act. Each action has a reaction. But even if there were no smile, the act itself is important.
It’s easy to be kind to a good friend or someone with a warm and outgoing personality. Do make certain that your challenge also involves those who really could use uplifting. Years ago, at a place of employment, I encountered a member of the cleaning crew on a daily basis. I would put on my best smile and say hello only to be ignored day after day. This went on for a least a month. I was discouraged but kept pressing on, hoping my smile might at some point be a small encouragement in her day. My persistence paid off. I cannot tell you how happy I was when a return grin crossed her face. I later found out she was the victim of spousal abuse. No wonder it was difficult for her to smile. That encounter always served as a reminder to me. We never know what kind of day someone is having or what kind of situations they are dealing with.
To withhold a compliment is to be unkind. Remember to praise people and let them know they have a positive effect on you. If you seek the good in others, you will find it. Be genuine and make certain the praise comes from your heart. You might make a list of those you have been meaning to acknowledge. Each day, send someone on that list a note, an email, or pick up the phone to offer up a sincere tribute to their positive attributes.
If you believe these thoughts and ideas, put them into practice. Start tracking your positive deeds. Make sure the energy you are creating is the good kind and know that your kindness campaign will make a difference.
