a random act of kindness...

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

(Dalai Lama)

Today is the Dalai Lama's 75th birthday!

...and we are celebrating this blessed occasion by doing a random act of kindness. It can be absolutely anything of your choosing, because you know how we do things here in my necessary room - no rules. Just follow your heart and I am confident that it will lead you exactly where you need to be.

I am incredibly impressed with how many kindred spirits I have encountered here in blogland. When I enter this space, I feel interconnected. I don't really know how to explain it in words but somehow, you make the world seem smaller, more intimate, no matter where we are all physically located. I dig that ;)

Today, with love, we are collectively raising our hands to help another being in the universe. And walking hand-in-hand with love, one will always find kindness. I embrace loving-kindness with wide open arms. With so much suffering in the world, at times when I am feeling at a loss, I find my way back to centre by doing something, any thing, for someone else. The act of giving is such a powerful experience. It humbly reminds me that I am never alone and that there is always something I can do to make the world a better place, even if it's only one small act at a time.

I cannot thank you all enough for helping me build this *bridge of love* by doing a random act of kindness today. (and it's never too late to join us.) For those who have yet to decide on what they will do, I thought I'd mention a few ideas of contributions one can make:

~ ~ ~

*help sponsor a nun through the Tibetan Nun Project

*cook a meal for an ill loved one

*give a bouquet of flowers to a neighbour

*make a quilt for a friend's newborn baby

*donate a knitted blanket or hats to the preemie ward of a local hospital

*compliment a stranger, sincerely

*send someone a nice, handwritten letter

*leave a thank you card for your mail delivery person

*make a handmade card for someone you care for

*phone a friend or relative just to say "i love you"

*compile a writing set and give to someone in a nursing home

*deliver flowers to a sick child in the hospital

*send a card to someone abroad in the military

*donate a book you've already read to someone

*put a coin in an expired metre - save someone that ticket

*drop off a new board game to a childcare programme

*donate toiletries to a homeless shelter

*copy a favourite recipe and give it with someone

*donate some books to a local foster home or library

*send someone an anonymous gift

*send a letter your *gift of jewels* pen pal

*host a giveaway on your blog

*the possibilities are endless

(and don't forget to include our lovely children)

~ ~ ~

what will you do today?

I can't wait to greet all of you on the bridge of love.

***

(Note to self: Self, I know you are technologically-challenged (my friends are probably saying "that's not the only challenge" ;). Even though blogger is eating all the comments today, I will remain positive and happy. Not even blogger can stop us from building this bridge. Perhaps blogger needs a little loving-kindness).