Small is big
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”
-Shannon L. Alder
Danusha Laméris is a poet and essayist. Her poem “Small Kindnesses” was published in The New York Times in September 2019. The poem is available on her website and I have linked it above.
In the poem, she describes the small gifts of gentleness that we give and receive from our fellow human beings every day. Giving way to others, helping someone pick up dropped objects, smiling at a barista, etc.
Our duties never end. The work of life never stops. Politeness and gentleness are not something we should practice only when we have ample time. That day may never come. The small ways that Laméris talks about, are the ways by which we acknowledge the people we meet. “I see you. Despite the outward differences, we probably have similar struggles, I hope this day treats you well.” This is what our smiles and nods and acknowledgments seem to say.
As we grow older, we have some bad experiences. From them, we learn that the world is not a safe place. Maybe it is, and maybe it is not. I make no promises. Still, a life spent viewing everyone with suspicion is exhausting.
Author Maggie Stiefvater says,
“People shouldn’t have to earn kindness. They should have to earn cruelty.”
When meeting strangers, small kindnesses make the experience of living a little better for all concerned.
Along similar lines, a beautiful and short video to watch is John Green’s. Author John Green and his brother Hank have a long-running YouTube channel, Vlogbrothers. On this channel, they have built a small community of supportive individuals. Neither brother is afraid of talking about their struggles with mental health. The video I am talking about has John discussing his worst bout of depression. He realized he needed help, took a break from his job, and went to live with his parents. He received treatment and support and while recovering he watched the movie ‘Harvey’. This 1950 movie featured a line that John found life-changing.
“In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”
Life is short. We are not going to make it through without the company of others. A brief give and take of kindness brightens the whole day. God knows we could do with more bright days in our lives.
