Kindness and Karma

I believe in Karma in the sense of the here and now. My belief has nothing to do with the afterlife, an area I choose not to discuss.

Every day I go out of my way to do at least one-act of random kindness to a total stranger. I always hold the door open for all people young or old, always smile at people in passing and most smile back. Many small things bring me pleasure like smiling or saying high to a small child, or an adult it doesn’t matter.

This morning was a great example. I normally go to Wall Mart to purchase things that I can get cheaper that the major chain grocery store that I can walk to. I usually go between 3 and 4 in the morning when they are not crowed and I don’t have to wait in the long lines at the register. I walked in the door and there was a teenage girl struggling to get a shopping basket free that was wedged into another one. I said mam the ones next to it don’t look like they are stuck why don’t you try one of them Her response was “ I am determined to get this damm thing unstuck”. I said well at least let me help you. I then braced myself for what I knew was going to happen. We got the thing unstuck but the pain level shot up in my back about 4 points. She said thank you sir and went about her way. I live with chronic back pain on a daily basis, don’t pity me for this, it just is. When I got home I had to take a pain pill for my back which has some harsh side affects but in the end it was well worth it because I helped her and it made me feel better about myself. I then struck up several one or two-minute conversions with the people who stalk the shelves. They have a very boring job and are usually more than willing to just talk about anything for a couple of minutes.

This is just a couple of examples that happened in one brief outing. I believe you get from society what you give so the next time you are out and about try being kind to a stranger you will be amazed at how good it makes you feel !