Give away all your possessions, live in the slums and minister to the poor.
Noooooo, not that.
Well, if you’re up for it, if that’s what’s calling you, go for it.
But most of us don’t have that dharma, that wouldn’t make us happy. In fact it may make us miserable and that doesn’t serve anyone. However, there are simple acts we can do that make our world a better place. Things like smiling at a person when they pass you in the street. Planting a garden so you create some green, even if it’s a few pots on your dining table. There are so many little things we can do like helping someone who can’t climb a stair. Even texting a friend to say hello and ask, “need anything?”. These make the world a kinder place. And when the world is a kinder place, we can be kinder in it.
Once cultivated, these small habits grow. You may find yourself volunteering at a dog shelter or nursery school. You may start coaching a sports team or handing water out at a road race.
And it actually starts by asking the question, what serves me? You receive as well as give. For example, if practicing yoga makes you happy, invite a friend to class with you. If saving money serves you, put some aside for your favorite charity. If loving on animals is your jam, volunteer at a local rescue or adoption center. If holding a hand serves you, volunteer at a nursing home, hospital or nursery school.
We are part of this living organism we call Earth. The more we serve each other, the more we serve ourselves.