Spread Kindness: A Lesson in Giving (+ Receiving)

When we give to others, we give to ourselves.

As an Amazon Associate, Breathe Together Yoga earns from qualifying purchases.

Spread Kindness blog by Christina Enneking

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to enjoy a “date day” with my seven-year-old son where we went picnicking and hiking. We began the date by picking up lunch at Whole Foods. On our way to the entrance, we saw a woman sobbing and a friend over her shoulder tenderly consoling her. I sent her heartfelt wishes to ease her apparent pain a little as we continued inside.

My son and I did our shopping, then brought our groceries to the car. As we loaded our groceries and climbed in, I glanced to see the two women at their table. We were ready to leave when my son reminded me, “Mom, we forgot the syrup!” (I love this little human being – he keeps me straight!) “Ah yes, well, let’s go get it while we’re here,” I replied. And we both ran into the store to quickly grab it.

We ran so fast that we almost toppled the floral gal who was wheeling a cart of red and white freesias to the back room. Instantly, I knew what I had to do and why I was sent back into the store. My son and I looked at each other, and without saying a word, picked out a bouquet of white freesias for the woman we had seen earlier – I hoped the color would represent hope and inspiration for her – and a bunch of red ones for me (the color I relate to for heart connection).

When I walked out, I excused my interruption with the two women and looked at the woman who had been crying. I commented, “I couldn’t help but notice that earlier you seemed sad, so I just wanted you to have these. May you have a little sweetness in your day.” I could feel her heart melt as I handed over the white freesias. Her eyes welled up, and she gasped, “Oh, thank you. You are my angel today.” And we parted ways. A simple gesture. Indelible heart prints on both of us.

With no mention of what we witnessed and participated in earlier that day, my son and I enjoyed our date day of hiking. As we were driving to our home, he asked if I could drop him off at the back of the house and he’d meet me at the front driveway. “Sure,” I remarked. When I drove around, he was waiting for me with a huge smile. From behind his back, he pulled out a bouquet of green, sour grass with bright, yellow flowers and beamed, “Mommy, these are for you, something sweet for you.” My heart melted on the spot!

Kindness, for the sake of nothing other than giving selflessly to others, is by far the biggest catalyst for happiness and connection. From the neuroscience research, we know there are chemical releases of oxytocin from the brain to the body which fill the body with a sense of purpose and connection. According to Simon Sinek, a leadership expert and professor at Columbia University, oxytocin is released when we “receive, give, or witness the act of kindness.” Kindness truly is contagious.

Picture of Christina Roberts Enneking

Christina Roberts Enneking

Christina has been practicing yoga for over three decades, drawn to the practice as a release from stress and a way to more deeply integrate the body, mind, and spirit. A certified 500-hour master yoga instructor and reiki practitioner, Christina has studied and practiced with many master teachers across the globe and her style is a fun-loving blend of Vinyasa Flow, Qigong, and energy work. Her specialty is meeting people where they are and offering practices that facilitate deeper growth, sweeter stability, and genuine joy. In addition to leading service-based yoga retreats, helping to deliver solar light to people living off the power grid, Christina facilitates learning workshops at multiple companies in Silicon Valley, focusing on brain-based leadership techniques for maximizing personal effectiveness and gaining mastery, autonomy, and purpose in life.

2 replies on “Spread Kindness: A Lesson in Giving (+ Receiving)”

Such a beautiful story and a powerful reminder of the tremendous impact we have on those around us. Your simple gesture of kindness reverberated through the sad stranger to your son.
Bravo!

Isn’t that the truth, Joylyn?! And truth be told, I think the positive reverberations impacted all those around, and such a sweet innocence about it all. No saviorism, just simple kindness. Feels good for all!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shine Your Way to Firefly | Izumi Sato

We aim to improve the flexibility of hamstrings and shoulders, as well as the strength in the arms, thigh adductors, and the core. Variations are offered to develop the sense of balance on the arms. It is an exploration of your own expression in Firefly, whatever stage of life you’re in.

Introduction to the Buddhist Mudras | Izumi Sato

Mudras are highly stylized and symbolized as non-verbal communication. In this introduction to the Buddhist mudras, we will learn five Buddhist mudras and the mudras of the five wisdoms, or five Buddhas. After learning the forms and meanings of the mudras, it’s fun to observe the arts such as Buddha sculptures and paintings.

Chanting Gayatri Mantra With Mudras | Izumi Sato

In this mantra, the 24 Mudras are practiced while chanting the Gayatri Mantra which has 24 syllables. Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, a Vedic sun deity. Among various translations of the mantra, I introduce the first line by Tias Little and the rest of the lines by Swami Vivekananda.

How Mindfulness Can Help You Navigate Social Media

Now that social media has become an extension of our own communities, a lot of negative perspectives and habits have made their way from the digital world to our real one. By becoming aware of your emotions and actions, you can get past the bad side of social media and enjoy the company of your social circle.