Dear Dream Tending and Imagination Community,
War, shootings, and environmental crises stir feelings of horror and anguish. Reactions of alienation and rage follow soon after. Our hearts ache, our souls thirst.
How to respond?
When I was in my twenties, a wise teacher offered an idea, simple yet profound. He suggested that we do two things each day. First, gift someone you either know or encounter with a gesture of kindness. Ask for nothing in return. This gesture of kindness is to be kept anonymous if possible. Next, do the same for yourself. A simple gift back to self. In both instances the gift cannot cost more than, say, a quarter. Continue with these gestures of kindness for at least seven days.
In this practice of simple gifting, the heart opens and the soul is nourished.
Imagine a community of people offering to themselves, to each other, and to the world daily acts of kindness. It begins with simple gifts.
Until next Tuesday . . .
Warmly,
Steve
Inside The Curious Mind
This is a quote that resonated with me this week…
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”
Learn the Power, Purpose and Intelligence of Dreams
Unleash your creativity and innate genius
Stephen Aizenstat
Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D., is the founder of Dream Tending, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and the Academy of Imaginal Arts and Sciences. He is a world-renowned professor of depth psychology, an imagination specialist, and an innovator. He has served as an organizational consultant to major companies and institutions, and as a depth psychological content advisor to Hollywood film makers. He has lectured extensively in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. He is affiliated with the Earth Charter International project through the United Nations, where he has spoken. Professor Aizenstat is the Chancellor Emeritus and Founding President of Pacifica Graduate Institute. He has collaborated with many notable masters in the field including Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, Marion Woodman, and Robert Johnson.
