At the beginning of August, I was shocked by the news of the devastating wildfires that hit Maui. Having volunteered for the American Red Cross in my past, I realize that there are systems of response in place to assist people who are experiencing disasters. I am also aware that it takes time to fully enact many of those systems and resources. When I first heard about wildfires creating significant destruction on the island of Maui, I began to wonder how to help. The news outlets are quick to report what is going well and what is not going well in disaster recovery. Recognizing how easy it is to focus on and attend to what’s going wrong/not going well, once again, I was thankful for the awareness that arises with mindfulness practice. I noticed my automatic negative perspective and hopelessness and chose to lean back, observe, and investigate what was coming up for me.
A regular mindfulness practice that is both formal and informal (e.g., seamless awareness) is beneficial when we are left struggling with that potential to solely focus on what’s wrong. In this situation, I was reminded of how mindfulness allows me to be aware of the unpleasant and/or unwanted and also be open to the pleasant; what is wanted or possible. The practice of being open to all that is, allowed me to hear about and become more curious about the meaning of Kokua. I investigated the Hawaiian word Kokua after hearing a local interviewed on the national news. Kokua means to help. Its deeper meaning is to extend help to others in a sacrificial way, with no intent for personal gain. It means to cooperate and pitch in without regard for self and to have consideration for others. This is kindness. With a renewed perspective, I saw the helpers in the Maui disaster and could identify reasonable ways I could help/assist. In my life experiences, I have seen and heard about a number of disasters. As I reflect on these, I can name losses as well as true acts of kindness that come along with disaster and tragedy (i.e., Kokua).
My family members know that I like to talk about the small personal kindnesses of others I have experienced in my life. As I write this, I am recalling some of the random acts of kindness I have benefitted from. Examples include the business traveler who kindly gave up his seat when the airline told me that my toddler and I had been bumped off a connecting flight due to overbooking. At the end of a recent vacation, one of my fellow travelers gifted me a bicycle helmet cover that she no longer used. Each time I wear it in the future, I will remember Janet and her kindness. These memories remind me how easy it can be to spread a little kindness and that kindness comes in many forms. Mindfulness brings an awareness that allows us to make choices about what we focus on and how we respond. Loving-Kindness Meditation is a formal way to cultivate our propensity for kindness. It involves mentally sending goodwill, kindness, and warmth towards others by silently repeating a series of phrases wishing health, happiness, safety, and peace for others.
I hope that you will spend some time tending to and contemplating kindness after reading this entry. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said that kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.
Wishing you Kokua,
Karen
Jewel – Hands (only kindness matters): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfsS3pIDBfw
Greater Good In Action Kindness Meditation:
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