The Kindness of Strangers

If there was ever a time for compassion, for giving, this, without doubt, is it.

Millions are out of work; many with unemployment benefits ending soon.

Thousands at home and abroad are still effected by natural disasters.

The Tea Party continues to create hostility wherever it goes, while Rush, Glenn, Bill O. and the rest of the Fox News gang spit venom daily at any and all non-Republicans.

We've become a nation polarized by the colors 'red' and 'blue', a country unable to discuss political differences with any civility.

Goldman Sachs continues to steal us blind.

We have two wars that may never end.

Not to mention a volcanic cloud that threatens to disrupt air travel for weeks.

And if all of that wasn't enough, now we learn that one airline wants to charge for use of its bathrooms while another is planning to charge for carry-on bags. (The nerve!)

Think it's time for a 'time out'?

I do.

But not just any 'time out'. Not a simple respite. No, instead, a game-changing 'time out'.

That game-changer? I propose that we commit to move from hostility, insensitivity, and alienation to compassion, kindness, and giving.

To do so, we will have to commit to lead with our heart instead of our head.

Because here's the deal: We, as humans, have the amazing -- and incredibly useful -- ability to rationalize. Most of us can, and do, justify anything.

Admit it: You know you're good at it. Hell, you're brilliant at it! If you weren't, you'd certainly exercise more, stay away from fatty foods, quit smoking, drive the speed limit, help that co-worker who's struggling, and give a buck to that guy on the street you walk past every day. If there was a Galactic Championship of Rationalization, you'd be in the finals year in and year out. What, you say? You'd win it every year?

Point made.

The problem, though, is that as long as we use our world-class rationalizing skills -- a sophisticated, cognitive skill housed in our brain -- it will be rather effortless for us to continue on our same, insensitive, self-centered path. BUT, if we shift the power from our brain to our heart -- an organ, thankfully, unable to rationalize -- we open the door to wonderful possibilities. Possibilities that include, by definition, having and showing more concern for those around us. Offering to help those in need. Extending a hand to others. Providing kindness, even to strangers.

Yes, even to strangers.

And the not-so-well-kept-secret about helping others? It feels good. Really good. Sometimes for days.

So, let's take that time-out and resume play, so to speak, having made the mid-game adjustment of now leading with our heart. You'll play better, feel better, and, in the process, undoubtedly help someone in need.

Even though we'll probably still avoid exercise, continue to eat fatty foods, and drive too fast. So be it, as long as we begin to provide kindness to strangers.

Start today. You'll feel great.