We Can Be Kind

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This time of year has mixed messages for me. “Hurry up and get ready for Christmas.”  “Slow down and “be” attentive to the season of Advent waiting.” This week the message is “Rejoice!” My heart likes the feel of finding joy.

In our Dominican congregation we are in a time of transition. How blessed we are to have assistance in how to “be” in transition in a healthy way. In September we had a virtual assembly, an opportunity to tend to our heart and spirit in our transition. Our facilitators, Dominican Sisters Joye Gros and Teresa Tuite,  inspired us in a process of prayer, reflection, with music and story. At the end they left us with a song: “We Can Be Kind.” 

This song is taking root in me. In my pastoral ministry at the Mound and Villa I promote Mindfulness. One of the aspects in living in the NOW is to have a daily intention. Since our September assembly I have encouraged the sisters to set an intention to “Be Kind.” Focusing on kindness has made a big difference in my life. I believe that it is making a difference in our life here together. There are many benefits to kindness—both giving and receiving kindness. When we are kind mindfully we are consciously choosing to make a difference in little and big ways.
In the process we are being transformed.

So in this pre-Christmas time, in the season of Advent waiting, I am living in the joy of kindness. How will you choose to live today?

Mary Therese Johnson, OP
Sinsinawa, WI

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