Spiritual Practice: Good Deeds
As part of my spiritual practice, I go out of my way to do at least one good deed a day. One can argue that my work with patients and students is filled with good deeds, but in this blog I mean outside of work. Oftentimes it is simply helping a tourist with directions or a metro swipe. Sometimes it is helping an elder with an everyday task or holding a door open for another, perhaps with a stroller, a delivery cart or a wheelchair. An easy one is unlocking the restroom door for someone waiting patiently in the hall at my office for the person with the key to come out. Sometimes what may seem to be an insignificant act of kindness in your mind, may touch someone quite deeply and make their day.
Most of the times the good deeds are done quickly in a strong and straightforward manner leaving no trace. Do the good deed and keep moving without expectations of any reward. Sometimes, I may need to assess a situation for safety or consent before acting. Perhaps someone has fallen or needs more complicated physical or emergency assistance.
I can give so many examples where I have been involved or have witnessed good deeds day to day. There are plenty of opportunities to help others along our travels. Sometimes, if a situation is such where I am with the person after they say thanks, (like waiting for the elevator or train), I may share in a lighthearted manner that I got my good deed in for the day.
When I think of spirituality, I think of virtues like kindness, forgiveness, compassion, love, etc.. Then I look for opportunities to put these and other virtues into action. Sometimes it is helping a fellow human or animal, sometimes it is helping nature and the earth and sometimes it is helping your inner child or another part of you. I believe every small step adds up. Be present, keep it simple, listen to your heart and act with compassion and wisdom. Easy, right?
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