You know when you have done something to help another; or you take a moment to 'pay it forward'; or you just do something for someone else because you can....and not because you believe you should.....Is that Karma or kindness? Why do we feel the need to attribute it to something cosmic? Why can't it be human nature to help? Can't we simply just do the right thing and say it was just me; my need or want to help a fellow human being.....
Maybe the difference or our need to label comes from the situation itself. If we help a friend or a family member or someone we 'know' it's perceived as kindness. And if we help a stranger it's Karma - because we don't know this person and we are going out of our way to help them through something or with something.
I don't buy it.
Yesterday I took my puppy to my local pet store. Once or twice a week I take him there to hang out with other dogs - where he can be socialized and do some training......ok, so it's 'doggy daycare'....but the little guy loves and the staff adore him. I have become a regular figure at this pet store; I'm known as 'Shadow's mom' and they have helped us through the different growing stages of a Great Dane, i.e. what food to buy, treats to get, harnesses/leashes/collars to use, training classes to take...etc. It has been so helpful!! And in the course of learning about my dog I have become friends with one or two of the girls that work there. We chat about Shadow.....have coffee on their off days and hang out on the weekends. Nice.
So yesterday I noticed one of the girls leaving the store and walking home - I didn't know her as well as the others - I pulled over and offered her a ride home. Seemed like the right thing to do. As soon as she looked up at me to answer I could see the tears in her eyes.
She climbed in and as we drove out of the parking area I asked her if she was ok. She wasn't. And immediately began to cry; and immediately apologized. No need to say your sorry.....tell me about it, it will make you feel better, I replied. And she did.
We, in a few short hours, talked about her life, her children and her pain. In a few short hours we found out we had a lot in common and that talking about life in general was what we both needed. IN a few short hours we become friends. Exchanging numbers, FB names and making plans for another coffee morning.
Is it Karma that I helped her when I did; realizing later that we both needed a shoulder to cry on? Is t Karma that allowed our paths to cross when we needed it most?
Or was it simple kindness. Knowing that someone needed a hand and knowing that I was happy to offer.
My mother tells me that I am the finder of Lost Souls. And maybe I am. But more often than not those lost souls find me and I often wonder if I'm the lost soul looking for answers. In the end I learn more form these people - who become my closest friends- I sometimes believe that I get more out of these friends than I put in. So maybe it is some cosmic destiny?
And if I find them and they find me are they really lost souls?
The Philosophical battle continues.......
