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THOUGHT FOR MARCH
UNIoN
The experience of all life as one essence or point of recognition.Flo Aeveia Magdalena- Sunlight on Water
A beloved friend sent me the following by e-mail this week regarding “International Womens Day” 8th March advocating “random acts of kindness” towards women. I thought “What a wonderful idea. . . I will get it circulated!”
Before I could press the “forward” button, I had a thought. . . when is “International Mens Day”?
I feel it is time we ended the perceived "separation" between the genders and tried to consider All as One, deserving the same respect, honour, love and random acts of kindness ( if there is any going, let us not be stingy with it!). Of course women have had a crap deal in the past, but so have blokes, we should celebrate our humanity, our uniqueness and raise a glass of recognition to our "differences" and in so doing celebrate Unity.
In fact . . whilst we are at it; why not extend our random acts of kindness to our world at large, the animals, the plants, the birds. . . everything. I often stop to chat if I see an anxious dog tied up outside a shop, a few words of kindness a little pat on the head. From time to time I have been moved to water plants that are dying in their pots on other peoples desks or window ledges. Sometimes, I have bought crystals that are obviously distressed and unhappy in environments which are totally unsuited to their wellbeing. I am not making myself out to be a Saint those who know me will verify that!!) but a mindful being who tries, as best I can, to honour the world I live in and those that live in it.
If you like . . . you can begin with the women! See how that feels and extend your repertoire to encompass all!
Have fun and make a difference.
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 8TH MARCH 2008
Invitation to Celebrate
Many will have heard of International Women’s Day and many will not. (Check out the web site to get good background information on it, www.internationalwomensday.com).
This celebration day was started nearly one hundred years ago to celebrate women, further their equality and self-empowerment.
Women are finding their voices, they are being heard and successfully bringing back understanding and compassion into all walks of life.
This is an Invitation to take time out on Saturday 8th March to celebrate who you are and the connection you have to women all around the world. All you need to do is focus your attention on carrying out some random acts of kindness.
What is a random act of kindness?
A spontaneous demonstration of care, love and support. In this country it takes many forms, from bunches of flowers, to greetings cards, paying a parking fee or part of someone’s shopping at the check out. It could mean sending money to a charity or volunteering and offering your physical help. It could be as simple as listening to anxieties and concerns, offering encouragement and practical help. Spending some of your valuable time with an elderly person. Opening your heart to give love to every woman on this planet as a sister.
Follow the 7 steps below to becoming a RAOKP, (Random Act of Kindness Performer). Start on March 1st so that you build up to the big day on the 8th.
- Start with yourself; Self–empowerment is all about learning to really love, appreciate, value and respect yourself. What random act of kindness can you think up in this moment right now, that you can organise for yourself that would make you feel really good.
- A member of your family; There is someone in your close or extended family who would really enjoy the random act of kindness you just thought of.
- A close and true friend; Have you demonstrated your appreciation lately for your friendship? Think on something you could do to make her day. That is a wonderful idea, carry it out now.
- A friend you have lost contact with; Take the plunge and reconnect in the way you just thought of. It feels great.
- A woman in your community, village, town or city; When you see this person and you will, what random act of kindness can you offer in the moment. Perfect, you will simply know at the time, you are really getting the idea.
- A woman in a foreign land; Where in the world is there another woman that you would like to reach out to and offer your RAOK. Offering love and support can be done in many ways. Simply think of the area, what the women are going through and send your love for the highest good of all concerned. Or will you contact a foreign women’s group to offer help?
- Mother Earth; She, of all the women, is really struggling in every way to survive. What can you do for her today?
What will be your RAOK.
This email is to motivate you to action in the nicest possible way. Not all of us are in a financial position to offer money to the poor or under privileged. In so many ways simply offering love and time can be even more beneficial. Please send this to at least 10 women you know who you feel would respond positively to this request. Have a wonderful International Women’s Day. Please let me know by email what unusual plans you are preparing for the day, or any unusual RAOKs you have performed, I will put them up on my web. There is nothing to stop you arranging get togethers to raise funds for your charities and causes.
I am also sending this to a number of wonderful men in my life who embrace the feminine in themselves and whom I know would love to join in. Please forward this on to your friends and family.
Happy March and Happy RAOKing!!!
Patricia
(Copyright Patricia Iris 27th February 2008)
To view previous thoughts of the month, please click here.
