the kindness of strangers

yes, i believe there is a source for humanity's desire to do good, to come together with our fellow man and BE good. to others it is religion or God or for those who aren't sure or are too afraid to say they don't believe in God; "spirituality". i'm not afraid to say that i think it is an trait acquired through evolution and is critical to the survival of man. it made and MAKES us human. doesn't doing something good for someone else make you feel better than just about anything? and it LASTS.

so why don't we do it more often? i know i occasionally fall victim to isolating myself too much. and i look around and see others who have done so even more than i have. we simply need to be kind more often. that point was driven home today as i read the preface to a compilation of travel stories called "the kindness of strangers. this preface was written by the dalai lama. it begins....

"if we really think about it, our very survival depends upon the acts and kindness of our parents; later in life, when facing the sufferings of disease and old age, we are again dependent on the kindness of others. if at the beginning and end of our lives we depend on upon others' kindness, why then in the middle should we not act kindly towards others?

"anyone who considers himself or herself, above all, a member of the human family should develop a kind heart. it is a powerful feeling that we should consciously develop and apply. instead we often neglect it, particularly in our prime years when we experience a false sense of security.

"kindness and compassion are among the principal values that make our lives meaningful. they are a source of lasting happiness and joy. they are the foundation of a good heart, the heart of one who acts out of a desire to help others."

-the dalai lama

a wise man indeed! i'm ready to be kinder. join me?