I recently listened to this NPR feature on Julia Roberts and her upcoming film, Wonder. The movie is based on the book by R.J. Palacio. During the interview, Julia was asked what she wants people to get from seeing Wonder. Her following comments on kindness deeply move me:
“…just a feeling of the best of all humanity can do a little bit better. You know, no matter what we’re trying to accomplish in our day, there’s always that little bit more space to be a little bit more gentle with each other or sweet with each other or take the time to look somebody in the eye and say ‘hi’ when you shake their hand or whatever it is. There’s so many little gentle moments in the day to express kindness to one another. And it’s just taking the time and being reminded to do that.”
– Julia Roberts, NPR Interview with Lulu Garcia-Navarro (November 12, 2017)
Reaching A Little More
Her comments call to mind the physical act of stretching at the end of a workout. For example, I stretch my hamstrings after a long walk by sitting on the floor with one leg extended and the other bent. I keep my back as straight as possible then stretch forward extending my arms as far as possible toward my foot and hold for a few seconds (without over-stretching). I repeat the stretch a couple of times, only each time trying to stretch just a little further than the previous stretch (again, paying attention not to over-stretch or injure myself). Just stretching a little further can make a difference in overall flexibility. I am amazed how something so simple and so small can significantly impact the well-being of the body.
Stretch Toward Kindness
I like Julia’s exhortation to reach out a little more through small acts of kindness, just a little further beyond our comfort zone. Making a difference is not in the big movements, but in those daily opportunities where kindness matters in the smallest of details. We are challenged to pay attention and act in those gentle moments of connection.
Let us live this day paying attention, and reach out just a little further in kindness.
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