While no one I know sets out to “Be Mean,” sometimes we need a little nudge to go beyond the comfort of our lives and to be a little kinder (to ourselves and others) in this fierce and wonderful world. Living an illumined life means your light shines not only for yourself, but has impact. Your life sheds light on others. Doing good stokes your inner fire.
Click on these links for resources. (These resources are unsolicited and personally helpful to Lourdes Paredes)
From the master of living deeply, Rumi: A beautiful poet, Rumi packs a punch in just a few lines. Here are 25 lessons learned from his poetry that anyone can apply to life.
Give some care to caregivers: offer parent/s of children and/or adults caring for their parents a generous hand. Unless you’ve been there, we underestimate the toll it takes to give loving and dignified care to small ones and aging ones.
Listen to you heart: While it might sound woo-woo, scientists are studying the intelligence of the heart. Beyond emotional intelligence, which companies have been benefitting from over the last 10 years, heart-science may be what propels communities and companies forward.
Practice random acts of kindness: No explanation needed here. Just do it!
Give it away: Share your time, resources, or talents by volunteering. There a lot of people who sadly don’t get their fair share of kindness. Look for organizations that need help doing what you’re good at. Here are some we came across that could use your time and energy:
StepUp: Inspiring women to inspire girls
Marwen: Educates and inspires under-served young people through the visual arts
Volunteermatch.org: Get customized recommendations for causes that need you.
Do you have a favorite way to offer kindness or know of an organization that needs help/resources? Send us a comment and/or email ILLUMINE: lourdes@illuminechicago.com.
No Responses to “How to let your light shine? Be kind.”