Day 28: A Not So Random Year of Kindness

We all have friends we know are  hurting, people who think they have to suffer alone, they don't know how to ask for help. Maybe they're having a hard time. They might be lonely, overwhelmed, sad, angry and isolated, depressed or confused.

Today's act of kindness is to bring those people in your life some comfort. Tell a friend or family member (that you know is sad) that they are not alone. Reach out to someone in pain and connect with them. Reach out and say "Hi, I've noticed you've been down, I want you to know I care and I'm here for you." Then ask them if they need to talk. Have a cup of coffee or tea. Sit and give yourself to a human being in need. It won't take long, a half hour at most, and it will make a big difference. You'll both walk away feeling better. Nothing beats a win/win scenario. Go to it, Reiki Babies! Spread the nice. Spread the caring. Spread the love ❤️ and look out for your friends in need.  If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs help, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be reached at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day.

Love you guys 😘

Share your stories with us and use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

Day 27: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

 "When you talk you're only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new."-Dalai Lama 💛☀️Good morning, darlings 😘🌸 I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Spring has sprung! Yaaay!! Just finished my morning meditation and setting my intentions for the week. I've decided I'm going to start off this particular week with a very specific goal in mind. Those of you who know me, know "Ima talker!" Yes, it's true (I know you're shocked 😳) I have the "gift of gab," I love life and I love telling stories. I also love people and their stories, so I'm a listener too. But sometimes, I get so excited (or agitated or nervous, or whatever) that I'm IN my head while I'm talking to someone. My mind is racing ahead to thinking of the next thing I'm going to say, and while the person I'm talking to is responding to me, I'm still in my head, and not paying attention to them. When I catch myself, I take a deep breath, tell my brain to shut up 🤐 and I LISTEN. I admit I've gotten much better at this over the last few years (it only took me half a century) and being present and aware are more the norm for me now. But it took work and it took practice, and that took time. So this week I want to be conscious and aware. I want to actively listen and try to learn something new in every conversation. How many of us feel unheard? Too many. So this week join me and let's listen. Let someone tell you their truth. Listen with caring compassion and turn up your empathy. Try on a kind and gentle approach and see how it feels. Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

Day 26: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

"spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." -Mother Theresa I love this so much! One of my favorite sayings ever. And one of my favorite people ever. We've all heard the old saying "Find a penny. Pick it up, and all day long you have good luck." right? Several years ago, I was walking with an elderly friend and spied a penny. As I bent down to pick it up, he told me that he never picked up pennies because he felt he had so much good luck already, it was his habit to leave them behind for other people who really need the luck. From that day forward, I stopped picking up pennies and I started leaving pennies behind.
This week's act of kindness is to find ways to "leave pennies."  You don't physically have to leave money behind, that's not the point. The point is to share some of your good fortune. No matter how little you have, there is always always always someone who has less. Find a way to give. Not until it hurts. Not until you have no more. Give until your heart feels warm and YOU feel better. Lighter. Happier. Take a moment to take stock of all you have. Count those blessings. Be grateful for what you have. Share with those who have less. Sometimes all you need to share is a smile to make someone else's day exponentially richer.Share the love and spread the happy, darlings. Be lucky with me.Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags

#reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

Day 25: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

Did you know that when the Japanese mend broken objects they fill them in with gold to repair them? They believe that when something has suffered damage it then has a history and becomes more beautiful. What a fantastic concept. I love the idea and more importantly, the philosophy behind it. There's an intrinsic value in things that are older when they are repaired and made more beautiful over time. What happens when we apply this same concept to people? What an incredible way to look at adversity and aging!! Imagine if we became more physically beautiful and more valuable with each situation that "breaks" us through our lives.  George Bernard Shaw said that"A life making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all."  So true! Now add the Japanese philosophy to that and you get this: "A life making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all and when you fail and break and suffer damage then you have a more interesting history and become more beautiful!" #YES. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES and, oh yeah, YES!!!!!

"So, I love your new philosophy, Marie, but what do I do with this information that will translate to an act of kindness?" you say? Share it. Tell someone. Find a person who would look like they were touched by King Midas. Everyone has suffered. Everyone has felt broken. Talk to someone you know is going through a hard time and share this beautiful thought with them. Remind them that they are VALUED! That their experiences make them wiser and fill them with spiritual gold. Tell them to share the story with someone going through difficult times. Watch the philosophy spread like wildfire. Spread the love. Spread the word. We are made up of our stories and our stories make us beautiful and valuable. We are golden. Have a beautiful week, my golden warriors.  Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags

#reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

Next Meditation Class!!! Marie Simons CZT

Getting the word out! ZENTANGLE 1 & ZENTANGLE 2 start NEXT WEEK!!! 

I'm so excited for my next two classes at the community arts center in media. Zentangle® is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images by drawing structured patterns, which can be done by anyone! 

I teach this class as a means to meditation. It is an incredibly powerful way of quieting the mind while having a tremendous amount of fun!

Introduction to Zentangle® begins on March 18 at 10 AMand runs every Saturday until April 8th.

Zentangle® 2 begins at 10 am on March 17 and runs until April 7th.

Click on the link to my website at the top of my instagram page (ReikiWithMarie.com) and go to the "classes and Workshops" page for a link directly to each course or go to the Community Arts Center's site to sign up for these fabulously fun classes! (On the community arts center website,  www.communityartscenter.org

Go to "Class Schedule" then go to "Semester" andchoose "Spring 2017" and then go to "Instructor" and choose "Simons, Marie")

"The Zentangle Method is enjoy all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of well-being."  -Rick Roberts, cofounder Zentangle Inc.

#reikiwithmariepsa

2017 International Women's Day

 "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." -Gloria Steinem

The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 28, 1911. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. They campaigned for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, and to hold public office. They set out to end discrimination. Over 100 years later, www.internationalwomensday.com tells us that  "International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity."

This year for International Women's Day, we're being called to #BeBoldForChange

Whether we're with dozens of other women or by ourselves, we're being called to help forge a better working world - a more inclusive, gender equal world for ourselves, our daughters and our sons. Because when we're all on the same playing field, the game is better for ALL of us!!We openly challenge the inequality and bias towards us. So from now on, some things are going to change:Today and everyday we choose to celebrate the achievements of our fellow women. Today and everyday we choose to champion womens' education. Today and everyday we choose to help other women advance in their careers. Today and everyday we choose to be each others' greatest advocates!! Move over "boys club" here come the W. O. M. E. N!!

#IWDS2017

Day 24: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

"Although they are only breath, words that I command are immortal." -Sappho

This morning, I read a super interesting linguistics paper in an anthropology journal (🤓nerd alert!) that taught me the BEST WORD  EVER!The article was about the Greek language and how even though there were other ancient languages that came before it (i.e. Babylonian and Sumerian,) Greek, and  two Chinese dialects, are the only ancient languages alive today. Considered by scholars to be the richest language in the world, it's Europe's oldest and has 5 million words, seventy million word types, and has existed for more than four thousand years. WOW!Because of this, there are words that we just don't have an equivalent for in the english language. I learned one of those "untranslatable" words today and it's the embodiment of everything I strive for. This is my new word! MERAKIIsn't it pretty?Say it again (meh-rah-key) It even looks cool.So what's it mean? Here's what I read:

"Meraki, a verb, or adverb, a Modern Greek word, derived from the Turkish “Merak” (Labor of love, to do something with pleasure), is applied to tasks, usually, creative or artistic tasks, but can be applied to any task at all.It means to do something with passion, with absolute devotion, with undivided attention.  No matter how difficult a task, it is done with all your effort, with enthusiasm, with eagerness, with complete love; it is done with all your heart, a labour of love, so to speak.Meraki is to put your soul into something, to put a little bit of yourself into it, be it singing, dancing, or painting. Someone who loves life, lives it to the hilt, does everything with zeal, someone who lives for the moment, for the now, is often, today in Greece, referred to as a “Meraklis”. Every single thing he does, day in, day out, is done with meraki."

Right???How much do we love this??!!So now, I have a name for my life's goal. What I've been striving to be all along is a Meraklis!!

This week's act of kindness is to share your passion with the people around you. For a whole week consciously work on tapping into everything in you that fits this amazing new word. Find your inner Miraki! Share your joyous passion and enthusiasm! LIVE YOUR PASSION! This is so important, my loves. If you choose to focus on the good things and go about your day living with love and passion, you have little time left over to dwell on the bad stuff. You'll feel better. Lighter. Happier. And what an inspiration you'll be to everyone around you!! Share the love and spread the happy, darlings. Be a meraklis with me!
Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags

#reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

Day 23: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

I love the line in Jewel's song "My Hands" that says "... and not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these." I LOVE that! It's so powerful and so true. And then she says "... I won't be made useless won't be idle with despair..." That's what worry does to us! It renders us useless. We do nothing, we freeze. And that leaves us feeling empty and scared of an outcome we have no real vision of. Uncertainty sucks! According to Dr. Daniel Freeman, professor of clinical psychology, Medical Research Council Senior Clinical Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford,"excessive worry has been shown to play a significant role in the development and persistence of paranoid thinking, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug dependence and insomnia. It has also been linked to the incidence of eating disorders."

WORRYING is not good for us, people!
So for today's act of kindness, talk to someone who's worried about something. We all know far too many people suffering from "Worry," pick one.Reach out to someone lost in the despair of worry. It never hurts to remind a friend to lighten up a little, or to try meditation. If, however, that's not for them, try these anti-worry suggestions:
1) Help them figure out a way to be proactive; if they can do something to solve the problem, tell them to do it! Not worry. 2) If there is nothing they can do to solve the problem, then pit your heads together and think about it, turn it around in your heads,  and look for alternate solutions. They can twist it, explore it, examine it, work the problem!  Not worry. 3) for some of us the answer is prayer, of this sounds like your friend, then remind them to "let go and let God." Not worry.
Usui recognized the wastefulness of worry, the energy it took from people. As a practitioner, I see, too often, how worry depletes people of their energy and how it dims their light. A little reminder that worrying doesn't help and compassionate conversation with a caring friend might turn their day around and recharge their battery. Reach out, darlings, spread the nice and share the love.
Go for it.  Do it with conscious intention and compassion. Watch what happens. Little acts of empathy have a way of becoming contagious. Feel free to "inject empathy" into every problem you face today. Spread the nice.Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

Day 22: #2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

What emotional pain are you holding on to? We all have something. Even Pollyanna would find an unresolved heartache and anger buried far far back in her antique armoire. So, what's yours and who's responsible for that unresolved pain/anger? Think about it. Who is responsible. Yes, ultimately we choose our own road and so must own the direction we go in, yet some of those flat tires on our journey are caused by nails littered on our long life road. Who are your "nails"? Was it a bad relationship and you're still hurt by the person you loved? Was it a boss at work that made your life miserable? Is it a parent, sibling or other family member you can't forgive? Is it you? Did you get in your own way and choose a bad path? Whatever it is, the pain it left behind is real and part of us. The only way to grow from this is to forgive, study to learn, and release it.

First the easy part: look at your painful story. What did you learn? You know you learned something, if not about something you want in your life, then you've learned of something you don't want in your life. You learned something from that experience/relationship/situation that will make your future better, that you can share as a wisdom and help someone else suffering similarly, and that gives you an opportunity to practice forgiveness.Today, we're going to think of that person that hurt us, write down what we learned from the experience and we will forgive them and release them with love wishing only the best for them and asking God/the universe/the fates to bring us good things too.

If you can and want to connect with the person and let them know you forgive them, do it!!! That's powerful stuff and SUPER healing. If they're gone, you don't know where they are, or you'd just rather not, then write a letter saying what you would say to them if you could. Be honest. Get it all out and let the forgiveness wash over you. This will allow the healing to begin.

Again, with this exercise, expect no reward (not even a 'thank you') because this is about you!Then be more forgiving all day. Observe the occasions in which anger or hurt can take over. It's about opening your heart and your eyes and seeing what people are experiencing. Do they need understanding and forgiveness. Even little bits of understanding can add up to make a day better than it would have been. When you OBSERVE someone, watch with a caring eye, you will find occasions to encourage and forgive. So be conscious, notice. Go for it.  Do it with conscious intention and compassion. Watch what happens. Little acts of empathy have a way of becoming medicinal. Feel free to "inject empathy" into every problem you face today. Spread the nice. Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags: #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together. #photobyAaronAtkinson #nofilter #reikiwithmariepsa

#kindnessquest #forgive #shareasmile #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis

Day 21: #2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

"As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to do some good."- Maya Angelou

Today, we're going to be generous for no reason and expecting no reward (not even a 'thank you') all day. It's not about what people think of us, it's about what we think of ourselves. Do you think of yourself as a generous giving person? Generosity isn't about money or material things. It's about opening your heart and your eyes and seeing what people need. Really need. Sometimes, a person's immediate needs can be so simple to fill. If you OBSERVE someone, watch with a caring eye, you will find what that need is. So be conscious, notice what people around you need and find ways to share today. A dollar for the street musician, put quarters in a stranger's parking meter, buy a cup of coffee for a friend, help someone carry their heavy bags... any simple act of giving. I promise that you will feel better than all the people you help today, because you cared and got involved. Go for it.  Do it with conscious intention and compassion. Watch what happens. Little acts of kindness have a way of becoming contagious. Feel free to "infect" everyone you come in contact with today. Spread the nice.Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

#photobyme #nofilter #reikiwithmariepsa #kindnessquest #begenerous #givefromyourheart #shareasmile #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis

Day 20: #2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

"I can live for two months on a good compliment." -Mark Twain

My dear dear friend (and Pennsylvania sistah,) Kristy, has this great thing she does on Facebook. She finds and shares obscure holidays for every single day of the year. Some are hilarious. Some are ridiculous. Some are religious, or patriotic, or honor great men, and some, like today's, are inspired.

Today is Pay-a-Compliment Day!

Love it! Thank you, my sistah, for sharing.
Your task, darlings, is to sprinkle compliments everywhere you go and lift the spirits of the people around you. Take time to notice something nice about each person you encounter daily. We cross so many paths, and hardly look at the people we are interacting with, so this week, resolve to observe. Watch. Pay attention. Look for the light in everyone you see. Share what you find. Tell them they look good, or are so funny, or so intuitive, or whatever great thing you notice about them. Be generous and give compliments freely all week.Be genuine. Be kind. Be real.You might remind someone of a strength they forgot they have or highlight something about themselves they undervalue. You may be saying the only nice thing they hear all day. Compliments magnify a person's strengths. They can give the receiver confidence, hope, happiness, they even can inspire authentic feelings of self love. You can turn someone's whole day around. Sometimes the right words can be life changing and can ripple through someone's life. An honest compliment is a small act of caring that can inspire something bigger. So go for it. Spread the nice. Do it with honesty and compassion. Watch what happens when you plant seeds of confidence.

Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

#photobyme #nofilter #reikiwithmariepsa #kindnessquest #complimentsomeonetoday #shareasmile #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis

Day 19; #2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

Hi everybody!! I'm back! I've been MIA  while visiting my Abuela in a Miami, and I know you've been keeping it kind! Remember last weekend when I said:

'From now on, Sundays are officially ME-days (not me "me", "me" you, or more accurately, "me" us.) 😁' ?

Let's consciously take one day out of every week to focus on being kind to ourselves.

Today, while the American people unite in either adoring or abhorring the 51st  #SuperBowlSunday festivities, i want you to make sure you have some fun. Laugh. Chat. Eat. Scream at the TV. Or do none of that. Enjoy your evening. Indulge in what YOU enjoy. Be good to you. You can be with #family and still have fun, hahaha, no. Seriously.

If the Super Bowl's not your thing and you're stuck watching or you've been cooking all day and are ready for a nap, believe that you can still have a nice night and be good to yourself. What can you do to make the night better for you? I don't mean "be selfish and everyone else, be damned, mwa haha!" I mean what can you do to enjoy this evening more?

What am I doing?

Well, to be honest, I'm not a #football 🏈 fan (sorry guys, I'm more a #PuppyBowl kind of fool) but I AM a huuuge fan of the advertising!!!

(Like just now, I loved the talking celebrity high school yearbook photos, followed by #ChristopherWalken and #JustinTimberlake 😂🤣, wait... Humpty Dumpty in the hospital!! Hahahhaaaaa) aaand I'm always interested in the halftime show, #LadyGaga yay! So I'm joining my boys in the Livingroom.

My husband (a native Bostonian) and my son are vested in this game. Their #NewEnglandPatriots are playing the #AtlantaFalcons. Big night! My son is sick, so we're keeping it low key and, most importantly, hanging out together. John threw a log in the fireplace (ambiance,) we ordered food (necessary,) and I'm surrounded by all my fun "because of you, I can tolerate sports in the background" stuff (aka: Zentangle® tiles and pens to plan next weeks class)

Point is, by being kind to myself and making sure I'm having fun too, I really get to enjoy an activity I wouldn't normally enjoy with my family. I laugh with them during the commercials, boo when I hear them boo, consume mass quantities of snackage with them, while i work on something I love.

I share the experience with them and am kind to myself.

Try it. #loveyourself 

#SuperBowlLI #zentangle #reikiwithmariepsa

WXPN 2017 5th Annual Winter Doldrums Benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Getting ready to listen to Brian Flanagan and Michelle Armour at the 5th Annual Winter Doldrums to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Such a great cause! This is going on all day and night. Bring the kids, have lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks, drinks, anything! Just come out!

Their new project "Water The Bamboo" is to showcase songs they've written together.

They are amazing lyrically and musically. I absolutely love their style!! Come listen!

If you can't come out and want to be part of this great day, donate at AFSP.org

#suicideprevention #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #waterthebamboo #rock #reiki #fun #livemusic #AFSP #WXPN #Radio #theresatimetomeditateandatimetorockout #reikiwithmariepsa

Day 18: #2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

From now on, Sundays are officially ME-days (not me "me", "me" you, or more accurately, "me" us.) 😁

Every week we'll take one day to focus on being kind to ourselves. No complaining, guys. No excuses. No rationalizing. No whining. No ducking out. You need to fill your tank up by giving to yourself or you'll be too depleted to genuinely give to anyone else. You are SO important and I know you are kind and giving and always trying to do better and to grow, and I know you put yourself last most of the time. (I have a "type" when it comes to my tribe, lol.) So... I know you ALL so badly to do need this!

On this first "You-day" we're going to be kind to ourselves by recharging our creative spirits.

Your specific act of kindness towards yourself is:

🎨Take some time to play and make art!!

Yep. You read right. Play! Wake up your inner kid and unleash your right brain. If you have canvas and paint somewhere, pull it out and dust it off. Prefer coloring books? grab crayons or markers and color something.  You don't need any special supplies, grab paper and a pencil and doodle.  If you're already tapped into your creative soul, then try something different! Stretch your creative boundaries.

If you think art is NOT for you, look at it from a different perspective. Like I always say: change your lattitude and you can change your attitude. What are you passionate about? What makes you smile when you do it? Ok. Draw it. Maybe you prefer to knit or sew? Design and draw your dream project. Have a green thumb? Draw plans for your fairytale garden. Prefer to cook? Draw your fantasy feast. Build things? Draw out parts of your dream house, chair, cabinet, whatever you dream of making.

Tap into anything you love and use it as a perfect expression of your imagination. And draw it! Have fun. No one's looking. This is for you.

You can do this! Strive to make today a little brighter for YOU. Tell us how it went. How did you get your creative mojo on?  Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

 #kindnessquest #art #makeart #artsoothesthesoul #play #create #rightbrain #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis #photobyme #lovethisfilter #reikiwithmariepsa

Day 17: #2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

I hope you've all realized by now that I am (still) highly imperfect, lol. I've been incredibly busy with my first class at the wonderful Community Arts Center near my home and teaching reiki and spending time with clients, patients, countless evenings at rehearsal (yes! Omg I'm in the coolest show ever! More later😁) and, OH YEAH! Family!  So , basically? I can get distracted. Yes. A Dyslexic woman with ADD can get distracted, go figure. Busy comes, and I get swept away in her wake. Sooooo.... on the days I'm not here writing about a new way we can be nice, I'm hoping you guys are carrying the spirit of our Kindness Quest on and on. So, darlings, if you're feeling uninspired, feel free to repeat a kindness you enjoyed doing. Being nice/kind isn't supposed to be "WORK" or a titanic effort, you can enjoy the whole thing.

Today it was my goal to tell my friends and the people I love (most often they are one in the same) something they do that I appreciate. I told my sensei, Frans Stiene, that I appreciate what a knowledgeable and skilled teacher he is and how I am grateful to have found him and to call him both my mentor and my friend. I told my son and his lovely girlfriend how much I appreciated their time and company at lunch today, and how much I love sharing ideas with them. I plan to make a few more calls today.

Join me? Call someone you care about and tell them something you appreciate that they do. Be specific. Be honest. Be kind! You can do this! Strive to make today a little brighter for the people that cross your path.

Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

#photobyme #nofilter #reikiwithmariepsa #kindnessquest #iappreciateyou #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis

Day 16: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

Everything I've read that Mother Theresa said amazes me. Her words are simple, true, and they more than inspire, they motivate us to act.

I really do believe to my core that the act of engaging and connecting with people on a deeper level through kindness is essential to our collective growth and well being. Every one of us needs to feel noticed, accepted, respected, and valued. Simple acts of kindness: words of encouragement; shared truths about what we observe in others, whether it's in the form of constructive criticism or compliments based in reality; or simply lending our support and understanding, are all things we can do that are truly transformational for both the giver and receiver.

So your task for today is simple...

Smile at everyone you see today. Stranger, friend, co-worker, spouse, child, EVERYONE!! You can do this! Strive to make today a little brighter for the people that cross your path.

Tell us how it went. How did people react/respond?  Use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

#kindnessquest #smile #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis #photobyme #nofilter #reikiwithmariepsa  

Day 15: A Not So Random Year of Kindness

My old friends and family know this about me, new ones, listen up:

My door is always open,  my sofa is always comfy and inviting, my home is a place of love, acceptance and non judgement. I will always be here, I'll always lend an ear and a shoulder. You are important to me and are ALWAYS welcome!! If you are hurting, please don't think you have to suffer alone. You have friends. That's what we're here for. That's what I'm here for. I bring this up because today is Blue Monday (the third Monday of January) and it's reported to be the most depressing day of the year. January is statistically the worst month for suicides.  I think it's important that we all take some social responsibility here and recognize we have the power to help. Most of the time, we can see when people we know are hurting. Sometimes we choose to look away, because we're busy, or in a hurry, or not up for the "drama" or just not in the mood to engage.

Today I want you to engage. Don't ignore someone else's pain. Step up and get involved!  Tell a friend or family member (that you know is sad) that they are not alone. Reach out to someone in pain and connect with them. We all know people who are having a hard time. They might be lonely, overwhelmed, sad, angry and isolated, depressed or confused. You can see it in their eyes, in how they respond to you, there are so many around us. Pick one! Anyone. Reach out and say "Hi, I've noticed you've been down, I want you to know I care and I'm here for you." Then ask them if they need to talk. Have a cup of coffee or tea. Sit and give yourself to a human being in need. It won't take long, a half hour at most, and it will make a big difference. You'll both walk away feeling better. Nothing beats a win/win scenario. Go to it, Reiki Babies! Spread the nice. Spread the caring. Spread the love ❤️ and look out for your friends in need.  If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs help, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be reached at 800-273-8255, 24 hours a day.

Love you guys 😘

Share your stories with us and use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

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Day 14: A Not So Random Year of Kindness

How goes the relaxing and recharging exercise? What have you done for you? How does it feel? I've spent 2 days working on it 😁.

I've been hanging out with my husband, working from home, went to the club both days to work out and for long swims (my ultimate "me time") we've ordered dinner in (no cooking or cleaning)  and I've read a book (today and yesterday) for over an hour JUST FOR FUN! This may not seem like a big deal, yet for a big reader, this is huge. Im reading the first book that isn't related to my work in over 2 years! How did that happen? I mean, I LOVE what I do! I love reading ancient writings and classic books and I can't get enough of all the latest research on meditation, reiki, meditative art like mandalas and Zentangle. It's  fascinating. It seems there's an endless font of information and new studies coming out everyday. It's a job to keep up. I love it. And I just realized, it leaves me no time to enjoy my guilty reading pleasures, murder mysteries and biographies. Variety!! I believe in balance and variety! I am now committed to working in some "just for fun reading" time into every week. Love when I learn something new about myself, and love correcting an imbalance in my life even more!

What did you do for you, my Reiki Babies How are you recharging  your 'compassion batteries'?

Remember to give yourself at least 1 hour today to do anything you want that will make you happy. Do it deliberately. Do it consciously. Do it with LOVE! Be good to you, my loves, and the kindness will flow out of you without even trying.

Tell us how you took care of you and use the hashtags

#reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

#kindnessquest #bekindtoyourself #randr #recharge #metime #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #theprinciplesofreiki #mindfulness #breathe #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis #reikiwithmariepsa #photobyme #nofilter

Day 13: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

It's the weekend and for most of us it's time to relax and recharge.

Your act of kindness for today and tomorrow?

Do something for you. Be kind to yourself. How long has it been since you've taken quality "me time?" Let's recharge our 'compassion batteries' by filling our selves back up by doing something we enjoy or need. Soon you'll be feeling satisfaction and gratitude.

Give yourself at least 1 hour today and another hour tomorrow. If you can take more time for yourself, DO IT! Catch up on sleep, or go for a run. Figure out what you need and DO IT! I don't care if you spend it reading, watching tv, taking a walk, writing, painting (a canvas or your toes) knitting, hiking, swimming, shopping, or doing absofreekinlutely nothing! Do it deliberately. Do it consciously. Do it with LOVE! Be good to you, my loves, and the kindness will flow out of you without even trying. It's your weekend! Enjoy.

Tell us how you took care of you and use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

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Day 12: 2017 A Not So Random Year of Kindness

It's Friday! Yay! Today we swear in a new president. That means that today (just for today, pun intended) we will officially have 2 acting presidents, President Obama in charge in the morning and President Trump in charge at night. I mention this for absolutely no political reasons at all. I bring it up because I have a really cool question. First, the background: Once upon a time in a bedroom, in a house, in Cuba, on January 20, 1917, Josepha Portu gave birth to a little girl. Josepha and her husband, Martin, named their 8th child/1st daughter, Luz, which means "light" in Spanish and she truly was the light of her parents and big brothers' lives. Luz is my Abuela Luchi, and today is her 100th birthday! Wow, right?? More Background: Did you know that every American citizen who lives to their 100th birthday gets a hand written letter of congratulations from the President of the United States?? Soooooooo... here's my question: who do you think will be signing my grandmother's birthday letter? Obama or Trump? Lol. Happy Birthday 🎁🎂🎉🎈🎊 to my incredible Abuela Luchi. God bless her!

Now...

Your act of kindness for today?

Call a grandma. Any grandma, yours, someone else's, it doesn't matter. Ask her how she is and then LISTEN! If you live close and can visit, do it. Share your time and let her know you are interested in her and that you genuinely care. It's a simple phone call and it will make her day. Keep spreading kindness one person at a time, my Reiki Babies. 💖 and hugs.

Share stories of your kindness quest with us here and use the hashtags #reikibabieskindnesstribe #todaysplannedactofkindness and #2017anotsorandomyearofkindness so we can keep our stories together.

 #kindnessquest #bekindandhonest #happybirthdayabuela #100yearsold #1917 #centenarian # #reikibabieschangetheworld  #dailyactsofkindness #dailyactsoflove #practicereiki #meditation #reiki #zentangle #teacher #czt #rmt #gratitude #justfortoday #theprinciplesofreiki #mindfulness #breathe #showcompassiontoyourselfandothers #sharethis #joinus #plannedactsofkindness #randomactsofkindness #bekind #letsdothis #reikiwithmariepsa #photocollagebyLizaGarcia