I believe very much in the idea of kindness. … It lies at the core of beauty. – Jan Morris
One of my happiest memories is of driving around the big island of Hawaii with a Swiss woman who taught me to sing, in German, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!” My goal was to surprise a darling friend made during those six weeks on Hawaii’s eastern side, in the rainy jungle.
Karin rehearsed me over and over, insisting that I get the Germanic pronunciation right. Two days ago, I asked my German friend to remind me how to write those words. Thorsten EMailed back at 2am Hamburg time:
Die Sterne in der Nacht sind groß und hell,
tief im Herzen von Texas!
Twenty-plus years after circling Hawaii’s gorgeous coast, I think of the 9th Path to Joy and how we can all be stars in our own worlds while shining big and bright in the lives of others. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Benevolence is good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. Beneficence is the joy of putting those intentions into action.
Seek joy and stay safe!
PS Jan Morris’ full quote is: I believe very much in the idea of kindness. I think kindness is the answer to all our problems. It lies at the core of beauty. Source: Battleship Yamato
This Post’s Featured Art, “Beneficence,” An Illustrated Wisdom
“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn 1922-2010
What I like best about the picture
I like the starbursts that, on second thought, look like fireworks.
Why
Ever since I first saw the Leonid Meteor Showers [behind the screen of a drive-in movie] and saw those shooting stars sprinting across the sky, I’ve understood how spectacular and uplifting unexpected lights in the night can be. Fireworks displays have the same effect. They’re such gifts to the eye the heart and the spirit. They’re so uplifting. So joyful.
What does this picture teach me?
Shooting stars are natural parts of the universe, just like kindness. How joyful if our lives glittered with lots more.
How can these insights lead to joy?
I think these words answer best,
If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path. — Buddha
NOTE:
These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox.
THE ART:
For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
