wellred
Sep 5, 2005, 3:16 PM
We cannot tell the precise moment
when friendship is formed.
As in filling a vessel drop by drop,
there is at last a drop which makes it run over;
so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one
which makes the heart run over.
by Samuel Johnson
Early one morning, I witnessed a flock of skylarks pursuing flying moths. As they darted and dipped in chase of their winged snacks, one of the birds hit a parked car and landed on the pavement. Immediately, the flock interrupted their breakfast run, joined in a chorus of song, and attended to their fallen aviator. Many of the flock sat side-by-side on nearby wire, while three or four birds at a time swooped to their injured companion. Taking turns, they seemed to flutter their wings over the downed bird. Replacement of these sets of would-be rescuers was repeated several times until the dazed lark, suddenly rose, flapped its wings and flew with the rest of the flock, quickly forming in mid-air, and heading skyward.
This type of instantaneous compassion is evident in the world around us. As a frequent visitor to this site, I have often witnessed and been the recipient of the warm, caring and heartfelt sharing that is readily available here. With apologies, I want to pause the many entertaining, enticing, and informing conversations just long enough to acknowledge the value the basic human kindness that is found here.
Compassion is more than being nice. Marc Ian Barasch, author of Fields Notes on the Compassionate Life: A Search for the Soul of Kindness, speaks about compassion as being “active giving”. Often compassion is thought of as softness and gentleness; however, true compassion requires toughness and strength. Compassion requires a bit of grit, and if you are up to it, you may engage with others in meaningful intercourse (yes, the kind that does not involve penetration), and reap the prize of happiness.
Happiness is not a quest, but rather is the gift our own actions. Most of us feel joy (or at least contentment) when we ease the pain of another person or bringing happiness to someone’s life. Through a series of meaningful exchanges we, in turn, gain a sense of well-being.
Recognizing that many of us visit this site for the fun of quick, anonymous sexual interludes; the site also offers opportunities for authentic kindness. Each morsel of charity builds toward soaring spirits and amasses toward friendship.
Charles W. Kohler, in tribute to friendship, wrote: “Those are our best friends in whose presence we are able to be our best selves.”
So thanks to you who help me to continuously discover the best within me.
With Love and Light,
Red :three:
when friendship is formed.
As in filling a vessel drop by drop,
there is at last a drop which makes it run over;
so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one
which makes the heart run over.
by Samuel Johnson
Early one morning, I witnessed a flock of skylarks pursuing flying moths. As they darted and dipped in chase of their winged snacks, one of the birds hit a parked car and landed on the pavement. Immediately, the flock interrupted their breakfast run, joined in a chorus of song, and attended to their fallen aviator. Many of the flock sat side-by-side on nearby wire, while three or four birds at a time swooped to their injured companion. Taking turns, they seemed to flutter their wings over the downed bird. Replacement of these sets of would-be rescuers was repeated several times until the dazed lark, suddenly rose, flapped its wings and flew with the rest of the flock, quickly forming in mid-air, and heading skyward.
This type of instantaneous compassion is evident in the world around us. As a frequent visitor to this site, I have often witnessed and been the recipient of the warm, caring and heartfelt sharing that is readily available here. With apologies, I want to pause the many entertaining, enticing, and informing conversations just long enough to acknowledge the value the basic human kindness that is found here.
Compassion is more than being nice. Marc Ian Barasch, author of Fields Notes on the Compassionate Life: A Search for the Soul of Kindness, speaks about compassion as being “active giving”. Often compassion is thought of as softness and gentleness; however, true compassion requires toughness and strength. Compassion requires a bit of grit, and if you are up to it, you may engage with others in meaningful intercourse (yes, the kind that does not involve penetration), and reap the prize of happiness.
Happiness is not a quest, but rather is the gift our own actions. Most of us feel joy (or at least contentment) when we ease the pain of another person or bringing happiness to someone’s life. Through a series of meaningful exchanges we, in turn, gain a sense of well-being.
Recognizing that many of us visit this site for the fun of quick, anonymous sexual interludes; the site also offers opportunities for authentic kindness. Each morsel of charity builds toward soaring spirits and amasses toward friendship.
Charles W. Kohler, in tribute to friendship, wrote: “Those are our best friends in whose presence we are able to be our best selves.”
So thanks to you who help me to continuously discover the best within me.
With Love and Light,
Red :three: