Eagle’s Wings: Photo captured at Brechtel Park in Algiers (Westbank New Orleans, Louisiana), 2011
…and there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he forever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than the other birds upon the plain, even though they soar. –Herman Melville, Moby Dick
Posted by Chandra Lynn on June 26, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/06/26/soaring-like-a-mountain-eagle/
We wrap up our seven days of kindness posts with the postcard I crafted for Louise Gale’s Global heART Swap. And we end where we began.
Kindness matters.
“Kindness Matters. Period.”
However, Jewel’s song was not the inspiration for the postcard. Instead, I was inspired by the many, many expressions of kindess I’ve witnessed either directly or indirectly and the powerful impact(s) they have made.
Many of us are familiar with the Ian McClaren’s quote (often attributed to Plato), “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” We read this so much that it has descended into the realm of cliche. We no longer “hear” the import of the words, but the reality is that most, if not all, of us are coping with something tragic, challenging, or traumatic.
We convince ourselves that we can do nothing to help, that our small efforts don’t and won’t make much difference, but they really do and will. Our acts of kindness may change someone’s mood from desperate to hopeful and may even make the difference between life and death.
So…
Extend a little kindness in whatever form it needs to take for the situation–smile at strangers, wish someone a nice day, drive with courtesy, pay it forward, forgive, agree to disagree, or walk away. During the particular interaction with you–no matter how brief–an individual may be dealing with something that is much heavier, much more trying, so give that person a momentary break from his or her madness.
Kindness matters. Period.
Just in case you’ve missed any of the earlier posts, they’re listed below for your convenience.
Have a kind week!
Posted by Chandra Lynn on June 25, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/06/25/kindness-matters-period/
Many years ago one of my good friends warned me that I was too kind and admitted that she was worried people would abuse my kindness and that would forever change me. Though I thought this would never happen, I recalled her statement more than a decade later when I looked in the mirror and did not recognize the person I saw. A light was missing. The spark had dimmed. The unkindness of others had taken a toll on my spirit and was beginning to affect how I interacted with everyone.
That moment in the mirror was a wake-up call.
I had an acquaintance who operated from the belief that few could be trusted and it was “better to get them before they get you.” Even when she could plainly see (and admitted so) that she was wrong about a person’s motives, she found it difficult to change her approach. She was always in self-protective mode, and it was clear (to me, at least) that her defensiveness and abrasiveness were the result of people’s taking advantage of her kindness.
I did not want to become this person. I did not want to assume the worst before I expected the best. I wanted (to continue) to treat people with kindness.
Today’s kindness card, designed by Cricket, reminded me of my mirror experience and underscored the lesson I learned in “guarding kindness.”
Cricket, who designs simple and elegant cards, posted a “sneak peek” of the card on Facebook, and I admired the card before I knew it was on its way to me. The bright green and the red hearts in place of fingernails were visually appealing, but I loved the words which were typed on the card using a vintage typewriter.
“Guard Well…” by Cricket
Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. –George Sand (Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dudevant, née Dupin)
Kindness is a treasure that should be protected–given without hesitation and with no regrets. It is indeed a gift that changes the giver, even if it doesn’t change the receiver. But kindness doesn’t mean answering “yes” to every request or becoming a doormat. As I suggested in an earlier post, one can be compassionate while saying “no,” and kindness shouldn’t cost anything.
Sometimes, people have other motives. Sometimes, people are mean. Sometimes, people are so wounded from past experiences that they know of no other way than to take advantage or hurt others.
Their behavior should not determine how we treat them, but we must learn there is kindness in walking away.
Posted by Chandra Lynn on June 22, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/06/22/guard-well-that-treasure-kindness/
For Lorelei, December 31, 1954 – June 15, 2017
Today, Lorelei C., one of my postcard pals was laid to rest. She was a kind soul who generously and randomly sent postcards that would arrive just when I needed a pick-me-up. Tributes on her Facebook page and the Love Notes page reveal that everyone had that experience with her.
Just hours before her passing, one of her daughters urged us all via a FB post, “Do your random acts of kindness. She loves that stuff.” I can think of no better way to honor her memory than by doing just that.
*** *** ***
Today’s Global HeART kindness postcard features minimalist art by Christine B., the person who introduced me to the Global Art Exchange, the Love Notes community, and (indirectly) to Lorelei. Christine sends dozens of “random” postcards every week; she clearly exemplifies “random acts of kindness.”
“Kindness,” by Christine B.
On the back of the postcard, Christine penned:
It is just too simple–be kind!
Her placing cutouts of the letters that form the word “kindness” against a plain white background makes her intent is clear. Kindness, plain and simple, is where we should place our focus in our daily interactions.
The card seems to encourage us to do our acts of kindness–without noise, without distraction, without motive or promise of reward, acknowledgement or applause. And sometimes, as Christine points out in her note, the kindness may be in “one word [that] can change someone’s entire day.”
She ends the card with the admonition:
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. –Dalai Lama
Mere days before her passing, Lorelei was still sending postcards. “It is always possible.”
Posted by Chandra Lynn on June 21, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/06/21/do-your-random-acts/
Be gentle first with yourself if you wish to be gentle with others. –Lama Yeshe
Today’s kindness postcard features a mixed media piece by Colette K. of Pennsylvania.
“Count Yourself In” by Colette K.
Colette sent her artwork with a piece of advice worth heeding:
Next time, when you think of beautiful things, don’t forget to count yourself in.
The common misconception is that loving ourselves is self-centered and weak, so we pour all our energies and kindness into others and leave little or nothing for ourselves. Many of us typically miss that the fine point in the “second great commandment” is to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). If we reserve only scraps, disapproval, and unkindness for ourselves, eventually this starvation of self-love will manifest in our acts toward others.
Hollow and mechanical acts of kindness don’t always feel like kindness. So love yourself. Be kind to yourself and you will find that the kindness naturally spills over into your interactions with others.
If you’re looking for some ideas, Marelisa of Daring to Live Fully offers a list of ways to get started: 17 Ways to Be Kind To Yourself.
You can also find a lot of ideas on my self-care board on Pinterest: Take Care!
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out yesterday’s post: Be Kind.
Until tomorrow…
Posted by Chandra Lynn on June 20, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/06/20/be-kind-to-you/
The last few days have been more unkind than usual as we’ve navigated one disappointment and heartbreak after another each time we listened to national and international news, read an article, or skimmed social media posts. Louise Gale’s choice of theme for the latest Global HeART Exchange–kindness–was almost prophetic, as if she knew that the chaos and madness of the world would need to be softened during these first few weeks of summer with kindness winging its way throughout the world.
Although I missed the signup deadline for the art swap, Louise kindly pointed me to others who would be interested in swapping postcards with me–two who also missed the deadline and one other who made extra cards. I also received kindness from faithful penfriends.
Instead of sharing all the postcards I received in one post, I’m going to “spread” the cards (including my own) throughout the week, a small effort to “sprinkle a little kindness” every day.
Today’s post features a postcard created by Carolyn H., an artist and yoga instructor who hails from Ohio.
“Be Kind” By Care H.
Care’s mixed media postcard was inspired by the lyrics of Jewel’s song, “Hands” and included a quote from the song:
In the end only kindness matters.
I encourage you to take a moment and listen to this song. Its message is timely, one many of us need to hear today.
May your week, in Care’s words, “sparkle with art and kindness.”
Posted by Chandra Lynn on June 19, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/06/19/be-kind/
I thought I was at the end of my “kindness rope” earlier today. Then, a postcard arrived that helped me hold on a bit tighter.
PeggyO sent the card below for a Literary Wisdom Postcard swap, a series I host for the “All Things Book-Related” group on swap-bot.
Purple Crocuses and Kindness
Let’s take a moment to squeal because…well…purple crocus flowers! [Thanks, Christine]
The quote does not directly relate to my situation, but it reminded me to continue being who I am. A kind person. Even when I’ve had enough. Even when I am saying “no.”
What do you do when your kindness is taken for granted? When you have been overly kind, generous, gracious, but it’s not enough? When those on the receiving end are less than kind and seem insatiable, wanting more and more and more of your kindness?
I hope you choose kindness.
Note: The quote, though ascribed to Mark Twain, did not originate with him. Find out more here: Quote Investigator.
Posted by Chandra Lynn on May 8, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/05/08/choose-kindness/
My day began at 5:00 a.m. after only three hours of sleep (last few days of class, lots of grading), so today’s post is short and sweet.
I share with you a “quote card” I designed last year– a bit of wisdom to carry with you through the week.
“In Solitude…”
Be sure to find a bit of solitude in the days ahead.
Posted by Chandra Lynn on April 24, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/04/24/in-solitude-the-mind-gains-strength/
The LYA blog hop has begun!
As mentioned in a post a few weeks ago, I participated in Kat Sloma’s Liberate Your Art swap again. The swap has been running for seven years. I’d “just missed” the first year when I found out about the swap, but I’ve participated every year since.
This year’s stats:
876 pieces of art liberated
146 artists participating
12 countries
30 US states and territories
The words that make up Kat’s theme, “Experiment, Play, Create, and Liberate,” serve as “clues to an expressive, playful, and free approach to making art.” She encourages participants to “keep those four words with us over the next year as we create and share our art.”
I’m happy to report that I received all six unique pieces of art sent my way. [As usual, April is insanely busy, and I haven’t had a moment to stage and photograph the postcards in my environment, so please forgive me].
“Angles and Lines” by Christopher A.
He shares a quote that appropriately captures his circumstances and his art:
I’ve wanted to somehow convey to you the sensations–the atmospheric pressure, you might say–of what it is to be seriously a long-term prisoner in an American prison. –Jack Henry Abbott
A few days later, a little bit of Hong Kong graced my mailbox. Kris sends “love from Texas,” but as she points out, the scene is clearly not Texas:
“Not Texas” by Kris Mc.
I love everything about this photo–the composition, the tone. There’s so much story in this image! You can find more of Kris’s stunning work on her blog, on Instagram, and on Flickr.
Greetings from Gabriola Island (Canada) came next.
“The Road to Cold Mountain,” by Paul T.
Paul had fun creating this piece, entitled “The Road to Cold Mountain.” I find it intriguing. I’d love to know more about it!
Siobhan sent a calming photo postcard with a clock tower reflected on a rippling river.
“1902 Clock Tower” by Siobhan Wolf
The photo was shot at Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington. You can find more of Siobhan’s work at Wolf Tales, her blog. I love her signature line on the card… #bethelove.
Ella sent a whimiscal watercolor.
“Puff” by Ella L.
Ella completed this watercolor a few years ago. She sends her card with wishes for the “joy of playfulness.” Ella is a freelance illustrator who works with children’s books and poetry among other things. You can find more of her work on her website: Ellapointe Studio.
If you’ve been following along for the last several years, you know Kat’s postcard always ends the swap.
When I retrieved Kat’s card, I had mixed feelings–excitement because the “long anticipated” Kat card arrived, but disappointment because the card meant the end of the swap and I have to wait a year before it comes around again.
Digital Painting by Kat Sloma
Kat surprised me this year. Instead of sending one of her photos, she sent a colorful digital art piece. I realize, though, I shouldn’t have been surprised. She’d been posting digital paintings via IG: kateyeview. Trees are one of Kat’s favorite things to photograph, so I like how this image pays tribute to one of her favorite subjects.
Thank you Christopher, Kris, Paul, Siobhan, Ella, Kat and all the other wonderful artists who courageously share your art. Your creativity inspires me!
I am so grateful for you, Kat. Thank you for consistently, patiently, and meticulously coordinating LYA. Your work pushes all of us to strive for the best in our work as artists.
Fortunately, side swaps help us liberate even more art. If you’re interested in swapping away those extras, let me know. I’ll post the postcards I sent on “Microblog Monday.”
If you want to see more “liberated art,” check out the video featuring art from some of the participants. For a more comprehensive view of the exchange, click the tiny blue frog below.
Until next time…create more art!
Posted by Chandra Lynn on April 16, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/04/16/liberate-your-art-2017-experiment-play-create-liberate/
The Liberate Your Art 2017 (LYA) swap has begun! I received my first postcard a couple of days ago and I can hardly contain my excitement as I wait for the remaining cards to arrive.
Some people begin posting their cards on social media and “side-swapping” right away, but I usually wait till the LYA blog hop to post and begin sending extra cards. I look forward to “the surprises” and want to see the postcards for the first time when they land in my mailbox.
It doesn’t hurt to share a postcard that didn’t make the cut. Right?
As usual, I had a hard time deciding which cards to choose for the swap, so I had a lot of different cards printed. The design below was an early pick, but after seeing it printed as a postcard, I changed my mind.
“Wabi-Sabi: Beauty and Decay”
There’s nothing spectacular about the original photo, but I liked it when I shot it last August. I was a bit fatigued after being in meetings all day and stepped outside to escape for a moment. The flowers provided aesthetic relief after being trapped indoors. They were showing signs of decay, but there was something in their beauty that caught my eye that rainy afternoon.
“Beauty and Decay,” iPhone Photo
I edited the photo a half dozen ways using the iColorama app. This was a favorite:
“Beauty and Decay,” Edited in iColorama
Wabi-sabi: a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay. [Definition from WordStuck].
The Japanese principle of wabi-sabi provided the perfect expression for what I was hoping to capture in the photo–beauty in imperfection. After adding “wabi-sabi” to the photo, I sent the photo for a photo inspiration swap hosted for the “A Thousand Words” group on swap-bot.
“Beauty and Decay,” Edited in iColorama
The final edit (first photo) was colorful and cheerful, and I appreciate that it did not mask the imperfections.
Considering the message of the design, it is a bit ironic that this one was not chosen for the swap. No worries though. It has made its way into at least two mailboxes and I have a few more in my stash to share. 😉
Have a fabulous week!
Posted by Chandra Lynn on March 26, 2017
https://iamchandralynn.com/2017/03/26/wabi-sabi-my-liberate-your-art-2017-reject/
