No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
— Aesop
Christmas is just around the corner. It’s called the giving season and I love that phrase! Traditional Medicine is all about giving. The yin and yang of the universe. The concept of reaping what you sow. We all get so busy in this modern world that sometimes we forget to connect with others. Christmas tends to make us stop and ask “what can I do to brighten someone else’s day?”
Are you a generous giver? Or do you only give a gift when you expect to get something in return? I love presents! I cannot tell a lie. It makes me feel special. But what I love even more is the joy I receive from gifting something to another person. It relieves my stress, makes me feel happy and balanced. Like the whole universe is smiling at me. Gift giving is profound and beautiful. And when it is done from the heart, without thought of what you’ll get in return, it can give a person in need so much more than simple joy.
Traditional Medicine in all its forms, including acupuncture and herbal therapies, is about connecting to the flow of the universe. Our natural world gives endless bounty and beauty to us even as we abuse that natural world. By giving gifts, be they physical or emotional, to a fellow human being – we connect to our universe and give back some of what we’ve taken. We restore balance to ourselves and our environment.
And never underestimate what a gift – even a small gift – can do for someone’s mental health. By thinking about another person, by showing them you care and are there for them – you might just save a life. We may never know what we’ve done by showing love and kindness but the universe will. And you may find yourself on the receiving end of a gift one day when you need it most. Karma.
So…the next time you have an opportunity to spread joy this holiday season…grab that opportunity and run with it. I bet you didn’t know you’d be helping yourself as much as the other person. Let their smile be your reward and relax in the knowledge you’ve done something beautiful for someone else and given back to the universe that gives so much to you.