Compassionate Action In Motion

January 2023

These are the things that don’t get reported on the mainstream news; not much truth does these days!  But, I’d say small acts of kindness take place silently and quietly—everyday. One divine human being to another. Are we beginning to recognize those hidden parts of our God-likeness—made in the Image of Love? Sometimes, I feel like we are quietly tested—when no one is looking. “I AM” (the creator) sliding this choice across the metaphorical table and silently saying . . . “Now, what are you gonna do? Well, ego, what are you going to do? Is it fear or love you’re going to water today?”

I was on my way home from Costco several weeks ago. I had picked up a few things for myself—and a few other things for a friend. In South Florida it is normally pretty warm—and there were things in the car that needed refrigeration. About 10 or so houses away from my stop, I was flagged down by a funny looking man—I’d say a cross between an elf and a dwarf, missing his four front teeth. I thought perhaps he needed directions or was in trouble, so I slowed the car and stopped to hear his inquiry rolling my car window down. “Publix”, he called out. “Do you know where it is? Around the corner?” He confused me a bit, because, although it was a mile and a half or two miles away, I wouldn’t have said, “Around the corner.” “I need to get this to my wife”, as he held up an oversized crumpled blue shirt. 

There is a moment, when a stranger asks for a ride that I pause and ask myself, “Will this put me in danger?” Those thoughts passed by in a millisecond and I weighed my decision. He seemed harmless enough. “Just a minute”, I replied, “let me make some room for you.” I got out and moved a few things that I had tossed in the passenger’s seat next to me. “Alright, let’s get that shirt to your wife.” He directed me to the Publix—small talk along the way—apparently completely unaware of the storm drain construction which had been taking place in the neighborhood for months . . . and months and months. Oh well I thought—we each live in our own reality and perspective. Maybe he doesn’t venture out much? 

We arrived at the specified Publix grocery store and he opened the door, got out and thanked me over and over for the ride. I called it a mitzvah, a good deed for the day.

The following week I was at the gym doing cardio on my favorite elliptic machine when I noticed one of the cleaning people. She had been having trouble with her knees, and I had given her a few suggestions about journaling, mantras and a homeopathic remedy from Whole Foods. I observed her walking much better sans limp. I waved. She came right over with a big smile. Yes, her knee was much better she confirmed. We chatted on for a few more minutes and in the course of the conversation was telling me her story of not having bus fare. I said, “Wait a minute.” I gave her $25.00 and said, “Merry Christmas”. She hugged me and said, “I love you”. I said, “I love you too.”

Yesterday, as I spoke with my sister through the blue-tooth in the car, I noticed a homeless man coming towards the car in the crosswalk huddled with his light hoodie pulled tight over his head and his hands as deep in his pockets as they would go. I was stopped at the traffic light. It was a brutally cold Florida day. I rolled the window down and made eye contact. It was Christmas Eve. I grabbed my change from the console, stuck my arm out the open window. “Here I said”, handing him a handful of change as the light turned green. I hoped he would use it at McDonalds for a hot cup of coffee and a burger or something to eat and to get inside for a while and warm up.  My intention was good. I couldn’t be attached to what happen after the few dollars was given. I knew it may only temporarily help his situation, whatever it was, unknown to me.

It is my understanding that compassionate action is Love. I know situations happen—in fact, we have all heard stories of being in a position to pay-it-forward. I have done many small things over the years when others were in trouble. I know sometimes, we don’t realize what our small act of kindness means to another —and it really isn’t important, because I always feel I get more out of it than they do. I can’t suggest a “thing” if I don’t do something myself. I think a good leader leads by example and that’s why I share it with you today. Yet, in these extreme times, it becomes even more important to show kindness to another. 

Are we ALL in a test of compassion? We’re all part of the human race. Maybe it helps the energy move to the next level of integrity and that of course will help everyone on earth? Maybe it’s about activating things from our akashic records that have been stored there? Waiting, “watching” and willing, if we are too? Maybe it’s about recognizing the divinity within—without judgment or critique? Maybe compassion is about helping one another in times of need? All I know is, compassion is an act of high consciousness. It’s a balance for our planet. And most of all its an act of Love. I extend an invitation to you—in the coming years—how will you choose to make a difference in some stranger’s life?

About Cathrine Silver

Cathrine Silver, HC, AADP, is a Shaman, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, and intuitive in private practice in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida. She works collaboratively with clients on their desires regarding disease through a process called biological decoding. She writes about relationships, spirituality, and loss and help others through theirs.  Suffering through her own loss in 2005, Cathrine motivates and empowers others to be the heroes in their own lives, becoming fully responsible for their own happiness, joy and well-being.

Cathrine holds a degree in Speech Communication from the University of Washington, is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and holds certifications in Reiki, Matrix Energetics, Hypnosis, Biological Decoding and Grief Counseling and is a Shamanic practitioner.  She is the author of the book, Riding the Light Beam: How Any Woman Can Find the Hero Inside.

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Decoding Our Lives Podcast – Pending

“More Stars in the Sky Than Grains of Sand on Earth.”

I have read that there are more stars in the sky than grains of sand on the Earth, and it certainly seemed to be true the night Brad and I camped at Whiskeytown Shasta – Trinity National Recreation Area in northern California. The vastness of the Universe has held humanity’s attention for eons—and tonight was no exception for me. It was a rather spontaneous stop garnered by a quick internet search earlier that afternoon.  Yes, we were able to reserve a camp spot—and even pay the nominal fee over the phone with a credit card.  That was the easy part. As was our greeting by the National Park security who checked our name off the list and gave us verbal instructions and a cryptic map which designated our “C-16” spot that would be our “home” and rest spot for the night. However, by the time we reached the parking lot—complete darkness had set in—and in spite to producing two small flashlights—the layout—the paths—the markings and the darkness made the discovery of our campsite a bit of a challenge.  Was this a metaphor for us, for humanity as well?

Our persistence paid off and after about 45 minutes, our 3-4 minute walk downhill to the water and our camp site numerous times had us somewhat settled in—tent, sleeping bags and even two folding chairs—which provided the scenic views to the heavens.  We literally tailgated on the back of the pickup truck on the asphalt parking lot finishing cold chicken and fruit and by 11:00 P.M. found ourselves back down sitting in our observation chairs—sipping a glass of wine and relaxing in the fairly quiet wilderness.  (The “neighbors” kids finally began to get quiet and the dog was at last peaceful—lol—woof-woof.) So much as a break from suburbia!

As I stared out into the heavens, I wondered, what lay beyond the boundaries of our human existence?  Who were we really, behind the cloaked veil that our daily lives consumed?  And, where did we come from?  There are many who believe that we are seeded from the stars—that philosophy, when I thought about it, felt right.  Were we seeded from the Pleadians two hundred thousand years ago?  Were these light beings our divine parents from a lineage billions of years old?   Were we the “new kids” on the block? There were many indigenous and ancient peoples whose creation story linked us to the stars—and each story to each other, even though there was no means of communication between them.  These stories were etched and painted upon the caves and artifacts over the millennium.  There were sightings of lights where no electricity existed—Mt. Shasta was certainly one—Hawaii and Uluru were other places of magic. Our knowledge so limited, and our technology still primitive—gave us little understanding of the vastness and infinite makings of the multiverses and galaxies beyond our closest frontiers.

And, so it was, as I drifted off to sleep—thinking about my adventure to east Texas to reclaim my old MGB with my friend Brad and the stars that filled my imagination and my fascination.  It had been a long hot day and we had already crossed many miles when my tired body laid upon the air mattress. What did we really know?

Breakfast at McDonald’s

Christmas in Florida This is a wonderful true story about compassion and light–something we can all  apply in our lives.  For me recently, it was a young girl who didn’t have enough money for her groceries.  She needed 90 cents.  I gave her five. For this story it was McDonald’s.  Acts of compassion and kindness are always in season.  
     
“My last project for sociology while completing my college degree was called, “Smile.”  The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.  Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning.  It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. . .

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch… an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.  As I turned around I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell, and there  standing behind me were two poor homeless men.  As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was “smiling”. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance.He said, “Good day” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.  The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.  I held my tears as I stood there with them.  The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.He said, “Coffee is all Miss” because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).  Then I really felt it – the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you.” I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, “I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.”I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope.” We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love.  I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.I turned in “my project” and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:  UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS – NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE. . .

. . . And, There is an Angel sent to watch over you too!”

“Inspired Wellness from Within”

Cathy Silver, HC, AADP

Please visit: www.cathrinesilver.com

Christmas in Florida 2