Contribution and kindness

Maria Arpa

18 August 2020

This week

Contribution and kindness

Plus…

Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness

and

The Wednesday Whisper

Seeing beyond ourselves

In the midst of the uncertainty of 2020, it’s easy to become indifferent and insular especially when we have been adversely affected by events. And it’s exactly at these times when it’s good to remember that the smallest kindness or contribution to someone else’s wellbeing will help us to contextualise our own predicament and remind us that the world is still turning.

Whether it’s remembering to smile, share some expressions of gratitude or a random act of kindness, a mindful moment of expanding beyond the self is a great way to connect with humankind and you never know how much a simple act might mean to another person.

Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness

Last week I was moved when a prisoner called me because he remembered that my daughter was awaiting her relocation judgement. It meant a lot to me to have been remembered by someone who is in a far worse situation in prison. (And for those of you who are wondering, relocation was granted by the judge).

The Wednesday Whisper

19^th August is World Humanitarian Day. What kind act could you commit to do today in support of a fellow human?

Does this blog have any resonance for you?

Would you be willing to share this blog and repost it?

4 Comments

Minna Bruce
Posted 4 years ago Reply

Just yesterday I said to my husband how amazing it is that doing something even fairly small, like taking the time to drop by someones house for 5 minutes when they live alone, can make their day and give them such happiness. I was pleased that he was happy to do exactly that.. although it made us late getting home.. but it was SO worth it.
The pleasure it brought to this lady was tangible.. and actually I would say that the pleasure travelled home with us in the car.. bringing us a delight as well.
The joy that comes from even the smallest connection is palpably doubled in these times of uncertainty and isolation.
I believe that the blessing that we receive by making time for other people is a deep sense that not just ‘they’ matter but that actually all humanity matters.. so therefore we matter too.
It is a mutual act.. because in giving we receive.
Creating connections is a way of celebrating our humanity.
For me there’s no better way to use my time.. even though it often makes me late!!
- Maria Arpa
  Posted 4 years ago Reply
  
  Marshall Rosenberg used to sing this song:
  
  I never feel more given to
  than when you take from me –
  when you understand the joy I feel
  giving to you.
  
  And you know my giving isn’t done
  to put you in my debt,
  but because I want to live the love
  I feel for you.
  
  To receive with grace
  may be the greatest giving.
  There’s no way I can separate
  the two.
  
  When you give to me,
  I give you my receiving.
  When you take from me, I feel so
  given to.
  
  -Song “Given To” (1978) by Ruth Bebermeyer
Cordelia Bryan
Posted 4 years ago Reply

So pleased to hear the outcome of the judgement Maria. xx
- Maria Arpa
  Posted 4 years ago Reply
  
  Thanks, it’s good news and she has moved and has started her new job