Get. Very. Simple.

I once had the pleasure of attending a lecture by Huston Smith, the preeminent scholar of the world’s religions. (He first came to global attention when he brought a young Tibetan Buddhist Monk-His Holiness, the Dalai Lama- to America for the first time.) Smith spoke about the continuing impact of religion on our world, most notably the strife all around the world over religious differences. He was at his most joyous when he spoke about his own spiritual practices, which he described for us. Smith said, upon rising each day, he did Hatha yoga, followed by reading a few pages of a sacred text, after which he meditated or prayed for at least five minutes. He would finish his morning ritual by doing a bit of yard work and some composting, which results in rich, dark soil, and a beautiful garden he greatly enjoys. 

The entire audience smiled as they listened to this great and humble man describe the simple spiritual practices that began each of his days. These were Huston Smith’s personal morning rituals. I loved the irony that this premier academic, who has such a deep understanding of religious rituals throughout history, had created such an uncomplicated practice for himself. I left the talk inspired to worry less and enjoy more. I saw the deep wisdom of simplicity.

I recently saw him again at San Francisco’s esteemed California Institute of Integral Studies and heard the one detail he had left out of the previous  discussion of morning practices. That night, Huston introduced a dear old friend, who added this delightful detail he knew from their time as college roommates: upon waking, Huston sits up ramrod straight in his bed, claps his hands together, and says very loudly, “It’s going to be a GREAT DAY!”

Cartloads of Kindness

This one is so simple that I really shouldn’t have to write it here, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t put their shopping carts away once they are done unloading their groceries! Walk the extra ten feet to the nearest shopping corral and roll the cart on in. Done! In addition, if you notice someone about to put their cart away and you need one, offer to take their shopping cart. These momentary connections that can happen in the frozen food aisle or parking lot are good for us. Keeps us human. Keeps us together.

Teach What You Know

My family recently wondered what I would ever do with an English degree. One of many things I’ve done is mentor a student in grammar and hopefully foster a love of reading, the benefits of which will last a lifetime. Check out the vast array of opportunities to teach and to learn at teachforamerica.org.

Night Time Is the Right Time

If you think back to your childhood, I bet a favorite plush toy or a “blankie” is involved. The safety and comfort you and I might have enjoyed are not guaranteed for all, so let’s blanket children with love. A donation of $25 to Project Night Night (projectnightnight.org) funds a nice tote bag with a blankie and a book by a top children’s author for a homeless child.

Kicks for Kids

Next time you are in the mall or wandering the web doing some retail therapy, buy a gift card from Nordstrom’s in support of the Shoes That Fit program. For as little as ten bucks, you can donate a pair of brand new tennies that fit perfectly for a young person who needs a leg up. Check out shoesthatfit.org. The right shoes can be the first step in the right direction.

Step Up

Challenge yourself. Life is a process and throughout your years on this planet, get to know

yourself better at every stage. Surprise yourself. If you go through life without trying something

new, you are not doing yourself justice. Discover your true potential and maybe more than just

your life will improve.

Save Rare Earth

Cell phones and batteries are some of the largest contributors of toxic substances to our landfills. More than 13 million cell phones become obsolete in California every year, and historically only seven percent have been recycled. Over 80% of reusable batteries are composed of the hazardous heavy metals nickel and cadmium. Mobile phones contain hazardous levels of lead, nickel-cadmium, and other toxic materials. While these and other rechargeable batteries have been banned from disposal in California for several years, recycling opportunities have lagged. According to Californians Against Waste, for every million cell phones we recycle, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. Go to epa.gov for more information on how to recycle your cell phone.

Spend Your Money in Your Own Neighborhood

Support local agriculture and business by purchasing produce or baked goods from farmer’s markets. By doing so, you ensure that your fresh food is organically grown and isn’t imported from another state or country-the cost of shipping is a contribution to greenhouse gas and pollution. Every dollar you spend locally will go a long way toward supporting your local economy and your next-door neighbors.

Stop Interrupting Others When They Are Speaking

We have become a nation of interrupters, as though what we have to say is more important than anyone else’s opinion or thoughts. Think before you speak. If a friend is confiding in you, consider if your words can truly help them. Many people interrupt or relate the problem back to themselves instead of thoughtfully responding to the person who is confiding in them. Reflect on what you have heard and then reply. This is not only basic manners but also means a lot to the person to whom you are listening. I guarantee you will start to notice when you are interrupted once you have stopped. Listening is an act of love.

Each One, Teach One

Spread around a love of literature, books, and writing! Many children and some adults struggle when it comes to reading. Look into volunteering for adult literacy classes or reading to the elderly at a retirement home at proliteracy.org, an organization with an amazing legacy: Laubach Literacy International’s history began in 1930, when Dr Frank C. Laubach was a missionary among the Maranao people of the Philippines. His concerns about their poor living conditions led him to conclude that the ability to read and write was essential for them to begin to solve their problems. As the Maranaos learned to read, they would, in turn, teach other adults on a one-on-one basis that became known as “Each One, Teach One.” From 1935 to 1967, Dr Laubach visited 105 countries, answering calls for literacy help and creating reading lessons in 315 languages.

Think “ Best Case Scenario” All the Time

Many people overanalyze situations, psych themselves out, and only consider the worst-case scenarios. I, for one, am guilty as charged. Let’s start each day on a positive foot and make a list of your “best-case scenarios.” What are the best things that could possibly happen to you? To your family? To the world? Have fun with this and think big~

Show a Little Tenderness

Let public workers know that they are doing a good job. When you see a fire truck, ambulance, school bus, or police car, go ahead and thank the workers inside for their hard work. Whether internally thought or externally voiced, this appreciation goes a long way.

Add a Half Hour to Your Day

One of the most brilliantly simple pieces of advice I ever heard was from Peter Shankman at a publishing conference. He said it had transformed his life and it is simply this: get up a half hour earlier and use that to reach out to people. He said it can be as easy as wishing a happy birthday to your Facebook contacts, one meaningful phone call first thing in the morning, or writing a personal note to someone you have been meaning to be in contact with. I remember listening to him and thinking I really didn’t want to get up any earlier. My days were long enough and that did not sound appealing. But his sincerity and enthusiasm somehow broke through my “baditude” and I pondered the idea as I walked back to my car and drove across the Bay Bridge back to my office. I decided to try it and I can tell you, he is right.

The extra half hour of every morning has been one of the best investments I have ever made, and so much so that I added an hour. It completely changed my life for the better. Try it!

Tend Your Garden

Grow your own garden, even if it is just on a stoop, window-sill, or fire escape. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs, oh my! Think of the recipe possibilities if your ingredients were right in your own backyard. Growing your own produce can save you money and time spent picking through the bruised and aged produce some grocery stores offer. This is also a great way to get organic!

Green Day

If you are able to, walk or ride your bike to school, work, or wherever you need to go. By not using your car, you are helping to reduce greenhouse gases while burning some calories at the same time! You can also use public transit or carpool with a friend-this also gives you the golden opportunity to bond with your coworkers or get to know more about your friend.

Show Someone You Care

Collect or buy some items to make a care package for someone, such as a soldier serving overseas or a child in need you have found through an agency. I have two shelves in my closet where I stash stuff I know will make a difference in someone’s day. I picked up this wonderful habit from my mom and the ladies at her church. They have the knack of knowing just what people want.

Book ‘Em

Give a book to someone out of the blue. Consider their interests and buy them a book. Recently, one of my friends said she wanted to cook more at home instead of eating out most nights. I got her two cookbooks on one-pot meals and slow cooker recipes. Much to my surprise and delight, she’s been sharing some delicious soups and stews she discovered in her reading, and sharing these makes for truly high-quality time together.

Treats for the Sweet

 

Treat someone to a meal- this is especially effective when people least expect it! Whether you are out with a friend or see a person in need on the street, take the opportunity to buy their meal without offering. Just do it.

Glad Days

Let someone know that you appreciate having him or her in your life. Sometimes we forget how good it feels to be appreciated; yet we know how lousy it feels to be unappreciated. Go ahead and tell someone how thankful you are for his or her presence; it will only make you closer.

Shed and Help Others Get Ahead

I bet you have too many shoes, I do, and I really only like a few pairs that are comfy and look good, too. Donate your unused, new and gently used footwear to soles4souls.org and you will help somebody who needs them more than you do. Many of these go to folks looking to rejoin the workforce who need nice interview shoes and on-the-job kicks, too.

I Think I Shall Never See Anything as Beautiful as a Tree

I grew up in a deeply forested state, West Virginia, and was taught from childhood to know and love trees. The last time I visited, as I drove all around to see relatives in far-flung counties, I noticed huge swaths of brown amongst green.  I asked what the heck was going on that seemed to be killing trees. That is how I learned about acid rain, an unfortunate by-product of coal mining, logging, and too many chemical plants. On our 300-acre farm, no trees are cut, only planted, so we are doing our part.

In the settled part of the great prairies and western states, trees were felled to clear the land. That is, in part, being rectified by a special effort to protect trees in the last frontier. Check out americanrainforests.org to see how you can help. Oh, and start in your own yard. Got room for a couple of trees? Start digging and planting and know you will enjoy years of beauty and leave behind a legacy for generations to come from your own efforts.

Trees are the Lungs of Our Planet

Have you heard about the amazingly ambitious goal of the Nature Conservatory to plant a billion trees and restore the forests of the world? From the rainforests in South America to China and even in the Arctic Circle, this hardy group of tree huggers is doing their darndest to recreate the woodlands and rainforests everywhere they can. I urge you to look at the map to see how far they are getting. It is impressive and gives me so much hope for the future.