When times are hard, as they are for so many these days, I make it a practice to reflect on my life and remember all of the kindness I've received.

We know from the negativity bias that unpleasant, hurtful experiences tend to "stick" in the mind more easily than positive ones. To balance this tendency, we may need to work harder to appreciate moments of kindness and connection.

So I share with you this poem I wrote some years ago, appreciating some of the small, beautiful moments I've had with others.

If it lifts your heart, feel free to drop me a line and let me know: what does it help you to remember?

In kindness,

Oren

Wise Friends

Because goodness has gravity

I slipped into the kindness of your big voice

When you called my name and greeted me with a smile.

Because goodness has gravity

You sat with me,

Poured hot tea and listened.

Because of this simple fact,

You stood at my back in the park

And sang my song to help me remember.

One evening you caught my light –

Your eyes flashed across the room, smiled

and said, “You’re alright.”

“This may be the most useful thing you learn

here in college,” you said over the stove,

When you taught me to make fresh tomato sauce for our pasta.

You showed me the way when you stopped

And stood in the sunlight,

Closing your eyes and turning your face to the sky.

And every time you placed an extra dollar bill

Upon the table –

The waiter’s service being beside the point;

And out on the bridge, walking over the wide, sandy riverbed

You told me, “Here! Here!” 

When your fingers touched my forearm.

There is a force to this kindness.

It enters your hands, your tongue and your feet.

It gathers momentum until it fills your whole being

And you can no longer harm even yourself.

Now I hug everyone I can

Because our time here is too short

To withhold even a glance of our goodness.

Because goodness has gravity

I slipped into your kindness

There’s nothing you can do – there’s no use trying.

You’re in my heart now, 

and you can’t ever leave.