When you have no say or influence . . . (Click image for video)

Always bear in mind that 

even our smallest deed 

can impact others. 

Most of us would like to help others, to make a difference in their lives. Some may choose careers of service. Committed to a cause, others may support it financially. Or dedicate their free time to volunteer work. The more we care, the more we want to do. Seeking to make a difference in the world, we consider the big picture.

But not everyone has the conditions to act at this level. And even those who can would do well to also look at the “small” picture because even the most minor action can impact others. Indeed, the degree of the impact is relative to the sincerity accompanying the action.

A polite “thank you” is always appreciated. But when that “thank you” is accompanied by a smile that carries up to the person’s eyes, and you feel the smiling person is genuinely thinking of you at that moment, it can carry us for quite some time.

So it’s not the magnitude of the action that makes a difference—it’s the sincerity.

Seek wisdom, not knowledge. (Click image for video)

Be grateful. 

The pain of having our faults pointed out to us 

is usually less than the suffering 

as a consequence of committing faults over and over. 

Since our cultivation relies on us correcting our faults, anyone would think we’d be happy, delighted even, to have our faults pointed out by others. After all, they’re helping us progress in our practice.In reality, no one likes being corrected.

Criticism will elicit a range of reactions from us.

Embarrassment.

Guilt.

Defensiveness.

But rarely gratitude.

Which is a shame really. Most of us have a stockpile of faults and noticing them isn’t something we readily do. But we need to stop committing faults. It’s the only way we can quit suffering from the negative consequences of our actions, thoughts, and speech. To progress. A moment of chagrin or umbrage can be brushed aside. The more we do it, the easier it will get. And let’s face it, sometimes a verbal slap in the face can be extraordinarily effective.

Enough so that we know we’ll never do THAT again.