Heal the World

Good Monday Morning Everyone,

I've been thinking about what I wanted to write this morning, and I've had lots of swirling thoughts with seemingly no good way of connecting them until I saw this video.  

I have heard this song hundreds of times and it's always a good reminder of what we should aspire to as humans, but in listening to it deeply today, one line really stood out to me.  The lyric was, "make a little space, make it a better place."  It is first sung at 1:03 by an 11-year-old girl that could be any of you.   This line really resonated with me because for the past few days I have been thinking about and feeling proud of the little things we do to take care of each other and have been conversely saddened by the many ways in which we sometimes tear each other down.  

Today, I wanted to convey the message that it costs us nothing to be kind.  I've probably said it before, but because I've been really feelin' the love of my friends lately, it's been front and center in my brain just how much we as individuals can make small differences each day.  I wanted to express just how much the love of a true friend or even just someone who chooses to be kind to us, raises us up.  So why would we ever choose to be unkind?  Will we disagree, have different viewpoints, different world views?  Sure!  Within all that though, we need to leave that little space.  Choose to make the world better by finding compromise, sharing understanding, choosing to listen, or at the very least keeping your negative words to yourself.    

Here are a few comics that illustrate these ideas.  They are from one of my favorite artists, LUNARBABOON.   

      

I also want to point out the multitude of ways in which we are diverse which are highlighted in the video.  The children singing and playing are of different races, cultures, sexes, nationalities, and abilities.  Without their diversity, and their ability to come together to make this song, I truly don't think it would have the same impact.  They make the words come alive by virtue of being different and unique.  

When the song talks about leaving that space, and I write about it here in this blog, we're not just talking about with your next-door neighbor, or your best buds, or with the people that are just like you.  We're also referring to the kid that sits across the lunchroom, the person who lives in a different community, the individual praying to a different god, the child seeking safety from violence or poverty, or the differently-abled person you walk past with your head down on the street.  Remember that all people deserve kindness, compassion, care, love, and recognition.    

As you continue to listen to the song, a boy sings, "love is strong, it only cares for joyful giving..."  Today, I hope you realize your impact on the world and those around you.  Go out there, spread love, and give it joyfully!  If you find yourself getting pulled into negativity stop to recognize that it may be because you are needing a little love yourself.  How can you get that love?  Give someone a hug, say thank you, cuddle an animal, call someone, email a friend, do a kind act.  Love and kindness are like boomerangs, toss 'em out there, and they'll come right back at you!  

Get out there and do as the young rapper says in the song, "spread the word of good!" (3:07)

Be Well,

Mrs. Hempey