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Hey gang,
Doing good acts makes the world a better place – an end in itself. Sowing the seeds of good is different and presents a shared opportunity.
Helping others and offering unexpected kindness creates good sensations in the world. This can support and lighten a person in need or surprise them into feeling a little better about life.
Sowing the seeds of good does something a little different – it expands the energetic exchange from one-directional to multi-directional. Sowing seeds includes the doer more directly in the process.
Anyone who has done meaningful giving knows that the sensations received go well beyond personal satisfaction. Doing good can transform the doer, not just help the recipient.
What does that mean? How does sowing the seeds of good become transformational for the doer? Short answer: By including oneself in the process as a person in need. Over the years, MBS has trained thousands of yoga teachers and healthcare professionals. I would start by asking them the question, "Why do they want to help people living with disabilities and chronic conditions?" Then, an even harder question: "Who or when in their own lives are they trying to save?"
Doing good acts can be transformational for everyone involved, but only if the playing field is level and shared vulnerability is acknowledged and embraced. The doer needs the receiver. The receiver is helped but is also giving back. There is an exchange, not just one needy party. When this truth is embraced, both are afforded the opportunity to transform.
The world needs more good acts right now. Suffering and uncertainty are on the rise. We all need the nourishing sensations created by good acts. It starts by sowing the seeds of good with a heartfelt acknowledgment that we need each other.
We must prepare the soil within ourselves, too. Aerate it by acknowledging a little fear, a little sadness, and shared vulnerability. Let’s tip toward new life and plant some good acts in the prepared soil.
~ Matthew
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