Positive Energy

     As you might imagine, the article that appeared in yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer (here's a link to it), generated a pretty significant response.  I've had quite a number of e-mails, calls, and messages from people, many of them strangers, who seemed to be touched by my project.  It's yet another reminder to me that most people are inherently good, and that kindness strikes a resonating chord inside almost all of us.

     One of the e-mails I received was from a local woman who noted that the article really spoke to her and wanted to know if I would be willing to get together with her as she really wanted to talk and compare notes.  I know from experience that it takes a certain amount of courage to reach out to a total stranger and request a meeting.  Understanding this, I try to be as approachable and accommodating as I can, and I try to respond in a personal way to everyone who writes to me.  After all, shouldn't kindness start right there - when people are actually asking for help?  I offered this woman some times that I would be available and we met this morning.

     We had a thoroughly enjoyable conversation getting to know each other and I suspect, as is most often  the case, that we both benefited from the experience.  Without trying to get too spiritual here, and without even truly trying to understand it, I do think that when like-minded people share time together, a certain type of positive, reinforcing energy is spread.  It's as if both people are strengthened in their resolve.  I suspect this is why it's so energizing to be with a group or a team or an organization where people share a common commitment.  When that commitment is to kindness, it can be powerful indeed.