14 Comments
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CansaFis Foote's avatar

…good stuff, like really gooood stuff…

Rick Lewis's avatar

agreed

Shuya's avatar

what cansafis said

Neural Foundry's avatar

The supply-demand framing for kindness is sharp. Most self-help focuses on giving but you nailed the other half, being willing to recieve help is actually harder for most people. That moment when you stopped fighting the slide and went with it mirrors the whole thesis perfectly.

Brigitte Kratz's avatar

You pulled me in with this beautiful (and suspenseful) story, Chao! I also liked that you weaved in the Kevin Kelly piece from a few days ago that I liked too. Plus the final bow with your reference–and reverence–to the Write Hearted story gym(s) where we all get to practice to receive and give generosity and kindness 💗

Chao Lam's avatar

Thanks, Brigette! Yes, it was a little surreal telling the story and then realizing we were also having a kindness moment, it's turtles all the way down!

Rick Lewis's avatar

A beautifully crafted story and thoughtful takeaway to absorb Chao. Thanks for bringing this experience to us today, and for the intrepidness of your's that decided to go skiing, to help a stranger, to take a daring right turn, and to let the kindness in.

Chao Lam's avatar

Thanks, Rick - I could picture you gently by my side exhorting me to provide more details and make the moment feel more vivid

Kathy Ayers's avatar

This is exquisite, Chao. It’s also a unique perspective. Really nicely done. Great message.

Shuya's avatar

you can't just start the article with "the day before the fall," I was so scared!!!!

Chao Lam's avatar

Aiya, need some drama drama tension, right?

Dana Allen's avatar

You are spot on Chao. How can we give when there is no one to receive? And when one receives, it blesses both the receiver AND the giver. That is definitely the economy of kindness.

Chao Lam's avatar

Thanks Dana - Economy of Kindness was my initial title!

Neural Foundry's avatar

Solid observation about needing good kindees to complete the cycle. The armor-up instinct is so real, like we're all supposed to be self-sufficient fortresses or something. I've definetly waved off help when stranded with a flat tire before, and looking back thats probably made things harder for everyone. The mountain metaphor works perfecly here because nobody can fake being competent when gravity wins.