The Power of the Kindness Role

One day, when there are more good stories from the pandemic than bad, may we never forget the incredible courage and selflessness of the medical professionals who never gave up in their efforts to heal patients. In fact, the sustained effort over months, under extreme and daunting conditions, sets a new, higher standard of “humankindness.”

It turns out, as reported in this recent news story, we each have a vital role to play in overcoming this pandemic. We each can bring the best of who we are to help restore our communities.

Peter Ford, a foreign correspondent sickened by the coronavirus describes the medical staff that attended him: “Every one of those doctors and nurses and kitchen staff and cleaners, a nurse told me, had volunteered to serve on the coronavirus ward. No one who did not want to work there was obliged to do so.” Volunteered! That intense mental commitment is a powerful force for good, don’t you think?

In Peter’s account, we see something else described in a “call to action” for healing aid: Every friend, family-member, co-worker and community-member who steps in with their mental commitment – prayers and loving messages of support – can have a role that contributes to healing. Peter actually felt this support.

Believers of every ecumenical stripe prayed for me… Nonbelievers sent their love and concern, too….And I felt all that in my body and my soul. I do not know how, but I did… I was no longer alone.”

Doesn’t this indicate that we ALL are necessary participants in overcoming this pandemic, beginning with a mental commitment or intention of lovingkindness? In whatever form our intention takes, each and every one of us is an essential worker in helping to restore humanity.

What will you do with the power of your kind intention?