Finding Decency in Life

I try to live by a maxim that it is always a good thing to share kindness in life. Wherever I go, to the grocery store, to various big box stores and anytime out in the world and running into people, I try to share kindness with the people around me. It's a nice thing to send someone goodwill and kindness and have a brief conversation saying that "something good will happen to you today."

That kindness will help the people we encounter everyday feel noticed and cared for and will go a long way to creating a better world. Regardless of our professions and work, be it Behavioral Health, Technology, or Service Industries....when we notice others and send loving kindness we may experience chills on our bodies which is a good thing which could indicate the universe is giving us love and purpose.

 Maybe a self-nurturing act we can do for ourselves is to be aware of when we get into survival mode. Maybe a help with that is reducing consumption of news and social media. It's easy to get caught up in various narratives that we are exposed to on a daily basis. When we get caught up in that mess, it allows us to say 'yes' to being in survival mode. We can let go of fear and leave survival mode by not consuming the fear-inducing media.

Here is an excerpt from the Alcoholic Anonymous text, The Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions as it relates to our instincts:

    Yet these instincts, so necessary for our existence, often far exceed the proper functions. Powerfully, blindly, many times subtly, they drive us, dominate us, and insist upon ruling our lives. Our desires for sex, for material and emotional security, and for an important place in society often tyrannize us. Nearly every serious emotional problem can be seen as a case of misdirected instinct. When that happens, our great natural assets, the instincts, have turned into physical and mental liabilities.

This an excellent assessment of the human condition. This could be considered a nice definition of original sin depending on the religious traditions we may come from.

With this in mind, let's go out into the world and share our goodness with those with whom we come into contact and be aware if our instincts are driving our daily actions or not. This could be an example of mindfulness.

Have a great week everyone!

~TommyJ~