Acts of Random Kindness · The Somatic Academy by Soma+IQ

Acts of Random Kindness

June 29, 2007

By Bear Warrior Gonzales

What if changing the world didn’t require wealth, power, or fame?

What if the power to change the world was already in your hands hidden in the simple act of kindness?

Tonight, I took my fiancée out on our regular Friday night date. First, we picked up my paycheck and cashed it, and then we went out to dinner. After dinner we went to the movies and watched the film Evan Almighty.

In the movie, Evan runs for Congress under the campaign slogan “Change the World.” He wins the election, and suddenly, his whole world begins to change.

Then God, played by Morgan Freeman, appears in his life and asks him, “You want to change the world, right?” Evan answers yes. God then tells him the way to change the world is by practicing Acts of Random Kindness, one act at a time.

That idea made me stop and think.

Changing the world doesn’t begin with massive movements or grand speeches. It begins with something much simpler one act of kindness at a time. And it doesn’t stop after one act. It becomes a way of living. It becomes a part of your daily life.

In the movie, Evan’s wife almost leaves him because of the changes happening in his life. That part made me think even deeper. Many people are afraid of change, and sometimes, they walk away when they see it happening.

I remember when I began changing in my own life. People were afraid of me because of my reputation. They believed that if they disrespected me or someone I loved, they would pay a heavy price. I was filled with anger, hatred, and violent rage.

When I began to change, something interesting happened. Some people started mistaking my kindness for weakness. Others tried to take advantage of it. I had to show them something important: Kindness is not weakness. Kindness is strength under control.

When you begin practicing acts of random kindness regularly, some people will misunderstand you. Some will try to take advantage of you. But that’s okay.

We live in a world where many people look at life only for what they can get out of it, a world where the “dog-eat-dog” mentality is common. But if you practice acts of random kindness with a pure heart without seeking gain, recognition, or approval, you will be blessed, and you will help change this world.

Now imagine something powerful.

Imagine if one hundred people practiced acts of random kindness every day.

Imagine if one thousand people did it.

Imagine if a million people did it.

Think about the change that could happen.

I am not the same violent, anger-filled person I once was because people practiced acts of random kindness in my life. Their kindness helped change my world. And because they changed my world, they helped make this world a better place not only for me, but for many others who might have felt the wrath of the person I used to be.

Because they helped change my life, I have been able to help others change theirs. That would never have happened if I had remained the same man I once was.

I have said many times before:

If you move one grain of sand, this world will never be the same.

If you help change one life, this world will never be the same.

So I ask you a simple question:

Do you want to change the world?

If the answer is yes, then start today.

Hold the door for someone.

Encourage someone who feels defeated.

Help someone who cannot repay you.

Speak kindness where others speak anger.

One act may seem small.

But small acts, repeated by many people, create great change.