Today's MOZEN: Easier Than You Think

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Bang the gong, beat the drum, ring the bell, sound the alarm. I'm sending the rallying cry to all to do whatever they can to eliminate cruelty in the world. You don't have to be Gandhi, or MLK, or Mother Theresa. You just have to be yourself and do the little things to make the world a better, less cruel place. And, it's not nearly as hard as you think.

In today's media saturated society, it's easy to be overwhelmed by images of cruelty. We can thank ISIS for much of it. However, they have not cornered the market on brutality. It is all around us everyday. We see it when a bully picks on a kid at school. We encounter it on the streets when people attack the police and vice versa. Driving can be an adventure in terror with rude, crazy people seemingly everywhere. It's even inherent in the very food we eat - factory farming is not good for either the animals they take or the people that they serve. Cruelty seems pervasive enough to frustrate even the kindest and most gentle of people.

So, what can we "little folk" do about it?

Well, plenty!

First, we have to make the small, personal decisions that can make a big difference. We must be mindful that every act we do affects not only us, but the world at large. Therefore, when we are mindful, i.e. aware, we put ourselves in a position to stop, question, and THEN act. In this way, ALL of our decisions, even the smallest ones, are made with a foundation of kindness.This is the bedrock to build our castle of kindness. This castle will surround and protect us in ways greater than any constructed of thick stone could. We will become aware but also impervious to the hurt that surrounds us. We can become as a bridge over troubled waters.

And, it's so simple.

- When you arrive at work, give everyone an uplifting greeting. Make them feel that you genuinely appreciate their presence. They will feel it when you smile. And, before long, they will reciprocate. After that, the whole office will be smiling.

- If you encounter a rude driver on your way home, don't up the ante by engaging them in boorish behavior. Go one step beyond and actually smile and wave. Wish them well and then get back on your way. I promise only your pride may be hurt - and then only if you let it be so.

- Celebrate those who are different. Variety is the spice of life and we should let those who provide that spice know that we appreciate them.

- At least once a week refrain from eating meat - any kind of meat. And, do this not just because it is healthier for you to do so but because it spares the life of an animal who would have otherwise been brutally slaughtered. At some point, you might even consider (as I have) becoming a vegetarian or even vegan.

- Make an effort to contact a friend or family member that you haven't spoken to in a while and let them know that they matter to you and that you miss them.

You don't have to be a SAINT to do these things. They are simple, accessible, everyday tasks that, collectively, make a world of difference - literally. EVERYONE is capable of accomplishing these simple tasks. There is no excuse. For in the end, you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. And, it's easier than you think to be on the positive end of the ledger. You'll feel better about yourself and the world will be improved because of it.