Rather than just a couple of quid given out some sense off guilt, I once gave a homeless man twenty quid - without any kind of lecture what so ever.
Another time, I filled a cheap rucksack up with a warm winter coat that was never used, some toiletries and some food and gave it to a homeless man that I used to see quite often in the same place. It was obvious that he felt deeply ashamed about his situation, couldn't bring himself to look at people as they went past. Quite heartbreaking.
I have to be honest though, and say I'm not so charity minded these day's... (....there's a discussion waiting to be had....)
Act of kindness
On Tuesday my colleague at the Amnesty book shop where I volunteer shared her sandwich with a homeless guy, then popped home, and came back with a sleeping bag for him and a bag full of food.
We invited him in for a cuppa but he didn't come - I think he was ashamed of the situation he was in.
In this current economic climate there must be more and more unfortunate people finding themselves in this situation :dft006:
There is more kindness on personal level taking place everywhere than we can imagine. Because personal level kindness is not splashed all over the media for millions to see, it stays private but eveil, violent, mindless acts get circulated, telecast, we think world is all chaos and treachry. Far from it. Human heart is capable of compassion and love. It's mind that is frighrtened and violent very busy offending and defending, entrenched in mine-thine
All the good deeds mentioned on this thread, if were shown on tele, people would be crying tears of joy
Even in strife ridden parts of the world, on a perrsonal level, people are sharing welcoming and kind- yes frightened and doubtful but still goodness of heart is more pervasive than we think.
...and kindness is essentially unpretentious, spontaneous, hidden,covert, quiet, shy. If it isn't then that is just another trickery and cunningness of mind out to score some browny points.
Most kindness that happen on personal level is quiet, unplanned. It is a response to the urge that arises within. It is an Indian saying " throw your act of kindness in a well". so no one comes to know about it. For one heart it is everywhere. Why talk about what good you have done. Something beautifull is lost, even in talking about it.
Reaching out comes natural to sentience. Even animals reach out and become present to you, when they see you down.
I think it is vitally important just to communicate. Many people are isolated. Because we don't live in extended families anymore, because we move house a lot, far away from parents and friends, because we think we have to work all hours, because we live in towns were there are too many to really want to see.
In charity shops I often talk to people who are just browsing there. Or I say "I like your hat!" or something similar, to a person who seems to need or invite that. I am ready to chat to anyone who is happy to listen.
Unless of course, I want to be by myself .... luckily I live in a very small place and can usually get away from them all when I really want to!
Love, A.
Here's a current worthwhile way of making your act of kindness have further ripples. Filling in the form (in the link below) enables the Government to make a donation to 6 charities for the Xmas period.
[DLMURL="http://www.itv.com/thismorning-take-a-moment/your-moment/"]Your Moment | Take a Moment | This Morning - ITV[/DLMURL]