It's the little things.

In some of life’s most challenging times, we all can remain unsure, confused and frightened, especially when we feel alone. 

The Light we can feel against our being encourages us in these times. This is the light of compassion, empathy, listening, non-judgment, and a willingness to walk a sometimes bumpy, dark and unknown road with each other, so that we are not alone.

This can look like so many things. It doesn't have to be grand, "deeply meaningful," planned or even overt.

• When you see someone on the corner holding a "Please help" sign (or something similar), whether you give or not, make eye contact. Pull up your sunglasses for a moment and smile. Ask the their name. Use it. This acknowledges our shared humanity.

• Even in rushing through our work days, take a moment to smile at a co-worker. Admire (genuinely) clothing, "That's such a great color on you." Or some other thing they might be wearing.

• Place a note in a neighbor's mail box (if you can), wishing them a glorious week. Or if you can't, leave a note on their door or car.

• Use people's names. When you see a name tag on someone, use their name when you say "Thank you" or ask a question. 

• Call or FaceTime, or Skype or Zoom with someone you haven't talked to in a while. Even if it's just for a few minutes. Just say "hi" and maybe set a time to talk again later.

• Send a text to someone you care about with just smile and heart emojis.

• When you arrive at the grocery store parking lot, and see someone taking a cart back to the cart corral, take it for them. You probably need one anyway.

• Instead of speeding up and not letting that car who signals to merge into your lane in front of you, let them in. Breathe, smile and say "you're welcome." 

• Say "thank you" to the maintenance/cleaning people wherever you are: a store, a restaurant, school, work, a park. They don't really get the thanks they deserve for cleaning up the places we go. 

With encouragement we can continue to lighten our fears, angst and tensions and infuse the energy of our encounters with each other with a kind of Light that inspires us to feel gratitude, warmth, joy and not so alone, even if just for a moment. 

May this day be just one of the many Lights you feel against your being that invites you to a deeper embodiment of that Light you are and the Light you give.