"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Eddie knew his neighbour was just starting out in business. The allotments she’d been tending of garden flowers to sell in spring were just ready to bloom. And then lockdown. No trading. No custom. No business. No income. So Eddie has bought up all of the flowers every week for the duration and put them in a bucket at the door of the city hospital for health workers to help themselves.
Eddie has not been alone in his generous deed. In the last few weeks, the world has been awash with kindness and it seems that difficult and dark times have brought the best out in us. A home-made hotpot left on a doorstep, cards posted through letterboxes offering help, a socially distanced group out to look for an elderly lady’s cat, and droves of volunteers asking: – What can I do to help? How can I be involved? How can I give something back?
Those that study such things tell us that kindness is good for us. It lowers the blood pressure; releases feel-good chemicals and provides a sense of well-being. Eddie doesn’t need the scientists to explain the mechanics. Nor does the flower seller or the nurses or other caregivers. Eddie goes to bed at night feeling on top of the world.
This article was written by Wendy Burrell, a member of the OU Students Association staff team.
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