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Random Acts of Kindness
Last Tuesday, I circled up the ivy covered stairs of my pink stucco office building overlooking the Santa Monica Pier to find a gorgeous spring bouquet of roses, daisies and lillies awaiting me. I was charmed and delighted to find a heartfelt “Thank You” note attached from an anonymous ‘e-volve’reader! Someone following my weekly videos had reached out to say how much my work meant to them and touched their lives. Wow.
This was one of the most meaningful gifts that I have ever gotten as a teacher – in large part because it was anonymous and so sincere. I found myself stunned with tears in my eyes. It’s true – The Universe always provides. Signposts, synchronicities and symbols arrive at precisely the right moment urging us to keep going, validating our path and prodding us onward.We often don’t realize how much our actions affect others. We may notice when we receive a compliment that keeps us going or a sign to keep trudging forward. But, what may not be quite as obvious is how often we, ourselves, may be that very catalyst Your compliment to a yoga teacher after class or the checkout guy at the Apple store, a $5 bill to the person on the corner, an anonymous comment on a blog, a generous facebook “Share”, “Tweet” or “Pin” may be the very thing that makes someone’s day or changes the trajectory of their week – even giving them enough confidence to stay on their chosen career path or take bigger risks because they know they have support.
This weekend, I taught sold-out workshops at Moksha Yoga in Chicago. I still get a little nervous before bigger workshops and festivals. Every single class, a hip, hot and holy student named Stacy (with the coolest earrings I’ve seen) sat front and center (photo at right) – prompt and ready to go earlier than anyone else. Present and grounded, she eagerly awaited my words with a huge smile on her face, glowing skin and shining eyes. Her presence immediately put me at ease and radiated through the whole room. My body relaxed – knowing she was whole-heartedly on my team. She had my back. Her participation, questions and transparent sharing encouraged others to open up as she broke the ice with her courage and brought us all down to the same level.I often find students (including myself) somewhat jaded and wondering “What does this person have to teach me? What am I going to get out of this class/workshop/blog? What is the ‘Take-Away’?”
- What can I give to this encounter?
- What can I contribute to make this better for everyone?
- What kind of energy am I contributing to the class/meeting/blog?
- Am I open, available, present, attentive, positive and supportive?
- How could I be more generous?
Practice a random act of kindness everyday. Be generous. Surprise and delight someone.
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Thank you so much for sharing, Sarah! Yes…we give what we get. 🙂
Ashley,
I watch your videos every week and also participated in th Live Your Truth class but I have never said a peep. This week you inspired me to do so. Thank you so much for all that you give of yourself and all the wisdom you share. I am so grateful and would love to find a way to take a workshop with you or to work with you in some 1:1 capacity.
Thank You!
Here I go to practice some random (and not so random) acts of kindness.
Beth from SF
Ashley, what a beautiful blog post! I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to attend the Moksha workshop but I am sending love from another Chicagoan who appreciates what you are doing. You are an inspiration and guide for strong, modern goddesses on the path! Love!!!
I love this Ashley! And thank you for all your blog posts and videos, I’ve been enjoying them for a few months now and they help me on my journey. It really helps to have regular insight and encouragement come through to your inbox, so thank you for sharing.
I also wanted to say a big thank you for sharing your perspective as a workshop/guidance facilitator – many of us who go to workshops as participants can be so focused on what we can get out of it, what answers we can find etc, rather than showing up in a way that wants to give – even if that’s as simple as encouraging another participant or engaging with the facilitator. It can really change the energy in the room. If, as a participant, you can support the teacher by being switched-on, sharing your story or insight, it helps the teacher feel more secure and able to give even more of themselves so everyone wins!
So the next week or two when i go to workshops or speak with guides, i’m going to make sure i’m contributing to the space too, not just taking.