Ripple Effect

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness.  Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."         - Scott Raymond Adams

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal (in size) and opposite (in direction) reaction.  In other words, there is a great ripple effect taking place; whether for good or evil - every single choice we make carries consequences.  It is interesting to note that these reactions are caused by forces; both contact forces - when two objects touch each other, or action-at-a-distances forces - when two objects do not touch each other but still react due to gravitational pull, electric force, or magnetic force.  We also know this as the Law of Cause and Effect; or the belief that everything happens for a reason.  As we look at the forces that are shaping our lives, we see the magnitude of the power of our will and agency.  Oftentimes, you will hear that it is "free will" or "free agency"; however, there is no such thing.  All choices carry consequences.  When we hurt someone, there are consequences.  When we love, there are consequences.  While we have the gift and power to choose - we must recognize that the universe has order and requires that the price is paid.  You've probably heard the saying, "you've made your bed, now lie in it."  If you look at your own life, you will see evidence that even though we may choose wrongly and correct our error, the consequences of that decision must still be paid.  An alcoholic may give up alcohol, but must still pay the debt in terms of family, job, or health issues related to the original choice to drink.  What we may not realize, is how far-reaching the impact of each of our choices truly is. 

In the early sixties, a meteorologist by the name of Edward Lorenz discovered "sensitive dependence on initial conditions" or what you may have heard as the "butterfly effect."  According to his research, if you had two identical worlds; one with a butterfly flapping its wings and one where the butterfly held completely still, you may expect that no one would notice the difference.  However, over time, the two worlds would have completely different weather patterns - all because of the flapping of a single butterfly's wings!  Why?  Because the seemingly small and inconsequential differences in air currents caused by the movement of the butterfly's wings, built on slightly larger air currents, which in turn built on slightly larger air currents, until the entire weather patterns of the globe had been affected.  YOU have the same far-reaching effects with every seemingly small and inconsequential choice that you make.  Think about that for just a minute; every choice that you make - even your lack of choice - rolls through this great ripple effect, one thing building on another, until you have changed the world!  The angry word spoken to a friend impacts how they react to someone else, which impacts how they react to someone else and so on and so forth until eventually that one unkind word has reached across the globe.  By the same token, a simple kindness truly does have the power to quite literally change the world!

Each of us matter.  There are no ordinary people.  And there are no ordinary choices.  When we understand this great ripple effect, we also gain a better understanding of the Law of Attraction.  Good thoughts and feelings move outward, in keeping with Newton's Law and this action-at-a-distance force, to move like waves through the universe, attracting like things to you.  The more powerful the thought, the stronger the force that is created.  Think of the difference between a butterfly's wings and an eagle's wings.  It will take longer for the butterfly's wings to create change than for the eagle's.  Be the eagle!

It was Aesop who said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  How true!  The scriptures tell us that out of small and simple things proceed that which is great.  We are on this earth to learn the correct us of agency; to learn to use this great power for the greater good of humanity.  As you see from the butterfly effect, we are all inseparably connected.  This explains why love is the first and greatest commandment.  Can you imagine the impact if each of us made the decision to love just a little more today than we did yesterday?  To give just one more smile, or show just one more kindness?  We do not need anti-war or anti-drug programs.  In the words of that great song written by Hal David, "what the world needs now, is love, sweet love."  Make your presence in the world felt - show love today!

"Teach this triple truth to all:  A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity."  - Siddhartha Guatama Buddha

"Getters generally don't get happiness; givers get it.  You simply give to others a bit of yourself - a thoughtful act, a helpful idea, a word of appreciation, a lift over a rough spot, a sense of understanding, a timely suggestion.  You take something out of your mind, garnished in kindness out of your heart, and put it into the other fellow's mind and heart."  - Charles H. Burr

"Have you a kindness shown?    Pass it on! 'Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on! Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears, 'Till in Heaven the deed appears-    Pass it on!"  - Henry Burton

As we journey on in this life, our task is to find peace amid  the storm; to demonstrate love and kindness, and to reap the benefits thereof.  There are no ordinary people.  Each of us come equipped with the unique talents, gifts, and blessings to impact the whole of humanity.  Each of us make a difference every day, in every way.  If your life is lacking; look first to your thoughts and feelings.  What waves of change are you creating in the universe?  The more powerfully you embrace the good, the right, the true - the stronger the ripples you create to manifest your desired outcome.  Make some magic - be kind!

5 Ways to Show More Kindness Today

• 1. Smile. The gift of your smile has far-reaching effects! Make a conscious choice that even when someone treats you poorly, you will return this act with a smile. You have the power to break the chain of events - to lift the current of despair and replace it with love.
• 2. Laugh. Do you know how much positive energy is in a simple laugh? You combine the force of your good thoughts with the breath of life to create a positive force that is contagious. There is good reason that they say, "laughter is the best medicine." Heal humanity today. Laugh!
• 3. Show. Have you heard the adage, "show, don't tell." If you desire more kindness in your life; look to the example set by our Savior, Jesus Christ. The master teacher did not just tell us to be kind to one another; he exemplified this kindness in everything he said or did.  Your example is the most powerful way to bring kindness into your own life.
• 4. Give. A giving heart is a full heart. The more you give, the more you get. This is the same principle used in the Law of Attraction to bring abundance into your life. Want proof that it works? Think about the people you love, and a time when you have given this love. You gave of yourself, but instead of resulting in scarcity - or becoming less, your heart was actually filled to overflowing through the act of giving.
• 5. Act. Now that you understand your power - do something about it! You can consciously choose to begin a chain-reaction of good in the world. Find someone, or something, or some way to perform a simple kindness - knowing that you have just set the ball in motion to change lives!

Assignment:  Identify opportunities to show kindness in your day.  Practice giving and notice how much more you receive than when you wait for the world to give to you.  The secret of life is you!  Love well!