Today
our blog is about another kind of kindness. We know about the intentional and
random acts of kindness, they are the ones that we talk about, as SPPRAK. They
are important and make a difference in the lives that we live, the people who
we touch through these acts. These are fun, mostly comfortable acts of
kindness. Today we add to that list: the uncomfortable act of kindness.
We know
what you are thinking! An uncomfortable act of kindness? Really? Don't we only
do what we feel is in our comfort zone? Or maybe just a little out of it? So
maybe an explanation is in order!
A few
weeks ago on a trip to downtown Chicago there were the usual suspects on the
streets, it was the same a few months ago on a trip to downtown Indianapolis,
and one to Nashville TN. You know where this is going don't you? Street people,
the homeless, the victims, a lot of times, of their own making. These are the
uncomfortable to be around, uncomfortable to make eye contact with, the ones
that we all, even if secretly, judge by standards of our society. We are all
afraid to be taken advantage of, what if their Lexus is waiting for them around
the corner?
So here
is the thing, we don't know if the Lexus is waiting, if everyday they pull in a
few hundred dollars, or if this is the job they choose. We don't know if this
is the only choice they feel they have. Can you imagine any of these scenarios?
When they get up everyday and suit up, it means dressing like a bum and
depending on other people’s kindness to end the day, probably about 10 hours
later, sorting through trash to see what your take of the day was? After of
course all the judgmental looks and most who avoid looking all together. Not
really the greatest career choice, at least for most of us.
And
what about those others? The homeless who depend on the kindness of those who
will throw a few coins their way. Granted, most of those are there due to the
poor choices they have made in their lives. We get that. They are dirty,
pleading. And they might use the money given to further pursue the poor choices
they have made.
Then
there are the aggressive street people, who chase after you begging for just a
few dollars, maybe they have a quota to make and want to get a good start early
in the morning, or have to make it before the end of the day. The ones who yell
about needing help, carry signs fashioned out of cardboard and marker. Help Us
they plead. Real? Fake? Who can tell? And they aren't going to!
So here
is the thing, it’s called uncomfortable kindness because it makes you feel
uncomfortable to give it, because in the end does it matter why they are there?
Of course they come to where the people are. And as we pass by in our groups of
friends or colleagues does it hurt to share change or dollars with them? These
are the people who test our reasons for being kind. Everyone of us needs an act
of kindnesses done for us and by us. Our job, as spprakers, is to build a
culture of kindness. These uncomfortable acts of kindness test our commitment
to this culture. Are we really what we say? Or are we just kind when it is easy
for us? In the end it would only be a few coins for us, a smile, a nod, maybe a
silent prayer for the recipient if you feel inclined. Or a cup of coffee, a
sandwich, you get the idea! Uncomfortable kindness explained.
***side
note: please keep your safety in mind when practicing acts of kindness. If your
intuition tells you do not do it, do not do it. You will be forgiven for
letting an opportunity go by, and a chance to make up for it later, there are
always more opportunities to practice all acts of kindness!
/spprak@yahoo.com.
