The Ripple Effect

When I was in high school I attended a week-long summer program that involved singing every evening. I was deeply moved at the time, sitting in a huge circle of girls singing patriotic and sentimental songs. I remember that one of them ended with the words, “if everyone lit just one little candle, what a bright world it would be.”  Fast forward fifty plus years, and at what seems like a very dark time for all the world, those little candles are beginning to flicker to life. Whether it’s singing “Nessun Dorma” to a neighborhood on lockdown in Italy, leading a group of housebound Spanish apartment dwellers in jumping jacks on their balconies, or “caremongering” in Canada (don’t you love it?), people are finding ways to say, “we’re here. We see each other. We will lift each other up.” And this beauty, kindness, and generosity has a ripple effect.

The smallest things can make a difference. Maybe right now we’re finding it easier to notice the gifts, and draw from them more energy and inspiration to be gift-givers ourselves. I think about the delightful surprise that Carl showed me on one of our walks last week, before the snowy day:
 
 

Remember that old bumper sticker, “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless beauty?” It’s always been good advice, but the acts aren’t so random or senseless now. I’ve carried this heart in my heart since I saw it. Perhaps you will, too. Who do you think made it? What do you think they were thinking at the time? Isn’t it lucky that Carl found it and shared it with me, that he took a photo of it, and that I can now share it with you? 

Wherever you are and whatever you do today, I hope that you see or hear something that makes you think, “Ahh. There it is. The unexpected beauty I was meant to experience today.” If you need a little jumpstart, try this: Pavarotti No one ever sang “Nessun Dorma” like Pavarotti.

Be well. Until tomorrow,

Love from Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

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