DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE
When I was young, I was taught about altruism. I watched my MiMi practice this principle consistently. So, discussing random acts of kindness I’ve done is against my code. However, I can’t deny the power of random acts of kindness. They can shape one’s day or have lasting effects throughout an entire lifetime. I will discuss a few ideas I have watched emerge over the years that complement my code.
In 2000, a film called Pay It Forward was released. It was a delightful little film that I enjoyed immensely. In short, the film discusses the principle that if someone does you a kindness, you pay that kindness forward to another person. I still hear people uttering the Pay It Forward mantra. I love it. What I love about it is the fact nothing is expected in return. This makes the act altruistic in nature.
While dealing with my late wife’s health issues, I ran into a family who believed in a concept called God Winks. I had never heard of this concept and immediately dismissed it as hokum. Yet, one of the elders of the family sat down and explained the idea to me. Then, I realized it wasn’t hokum. We all have experienced seemingly unexplained acts of kindness throughout our lives, and this family called them God Winks. I still smile when I remember that conversation.
Lastly, in my studies, I came across a gentleman named Alan Watts. He had a concept I found rather refreshing that fit my code. This concept was called Clear as the Morning. Basically, the concept goes like this: When you wake up in the morning, envision your ideal morning, and whatever happens that day will be easier to handle. I have used this principle since I discovered it.
Memoirs of Madness 