It’s quite rare now days to meet someone who wears their soul on their sleeve. They are giving, caring, and able to create more compassion in the world. Expecting nothing in return, just the simple joy of knowing that they made someone’s day a little brighter.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting such an individual.
A simple stroll through downtown Palo Alto blossomed into ripe opportunity for giving. Lunch left-overs passed onto a hungry homeless man, a compliment to a radiant pregnant woman (“Well aren’t you just glowing and gorgeous?”) in passing on the sidewalk, and a ten dollar tip left for two hardworking, up and coming Haagen-Dazs workers. Each warm gesture was much appreciated and probably made each persons day.
 Now that’s what I call increasing the collective positive energy in the world. Something we as people should cultivate more of between one another.
With this thought in mind, here are five small yet powerful ways to create a little more compassion everyday:

1.) Smile: The simple act of smiling has been shown to trigger positive feelings, and emotions in the brain. An instant mood booster. What’s even more amazing is what smiling at others can ignite. Without a doubt, if you smile at someone they will smile back. Just try it! A few months back I tried a little experiment. On my way to and from work, walking down the street, I’d smile at whoever was coming my way or in passing. There was never an instance when the other person kept a straight face or looked the other way. To my surprise people were shocked I was smiling at them and got excited enough to smile back and even say, “good day.” So why not brighten someone else’s day and mood with this tiny gesture.
happy smiling people

2.) Make Eye Contact: There’s nothing more frustrating than talking to someone who is scanning the room with their eyes. Even if they are actually listening to you, (which in most cases they aren’t!), it makes you feel that they could care less. Since eye scanning bothers you, next time you’re in a conversation make an effort to make eye contact. Let the other person know that you are listening. If you aren’t really listening then move on, but don’t pretend. It’s insincere and they can tell. I struggle with this because I tend to look to specific places in space when I’m thinking or remembering. I once had someone ask what I was looking at and if I was talking to them or the wall. That woke me up.
3.) Listen (no really!): When chatting up your buddy or significant other, challenge yourself to truly listen to what they are saying. Instead of formulating your thoughts on what they have to say while they are talking, try to quiet the mind. Chances are you’ll find out a lot more about that person and get more out of the conversation. It makes them feel good to know that you care enough to sit quietly and let them finish their thought.

4.) Be Genuine: If there is one thing I have learned most recently living the single life again, it’s that people want to connect with honest, genuine people. They want you to be upfront, even if it’s not what they want to hear. Prime example, if you don’t want to date someone, tell them you are not interested in a respectful way and move on. Spare others feelings by being honest with yourself. In conversation, speak with truth. Instead of posing, be who you are. People respect honesty.

5.) Remember: We are all people in this crazy world, just trying to survive and get along. As mom always said, “treat others as you would like to be treated.” I don’t think there could be a better golden rule.
 I’m a strong believer that you receive what you give out. Shower everything with compassion and you’ll reap the benefits in your own heart. Read more about how we create more compassion in the world!
“We all have the power to give away love, to love other people. And if we do so, we change the kind of person we are, and we change the kind of world we live in.”-Rabbi Harold Kushner
Peace and love…

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