Grounding Through Service

I spent the afternoon watching the snow fall against the window, thinking about the concept of service. In many spiritual traditions, serving others is the quickest path to inner peace. As we enter National Kindness Week 2026, it’s worth considering how helping others actually helps us. When we shift our focus from our own anxieties to the needs of someone else, our perspective widens. The problems that felt like mountains suddenly look like molehills because we’ve reconnected with the human experience.

Canada being the first country to pass a Kindness Act is a point of quiet pride for many. It’s not a loud, boisterous achievement, but a gentle one. It reflects a national character that values the collective over the individual. When Rabbi Bulka founded Kind Canada, he wasn't looking for fame; he was looking for a way to make life more bearable for everyone. Eighteen years later, that mission remains as vital as ever for those of us trying to find our footing.

When we ground ourselves, we finally see the people standing right beside us. It’s easy to walk through the world with blinders on, focused only on our destination. But mindfulness teaches us that the journey is where the magic happens. A kind word to a barista who looks overwhelmed or a patient nod to a slow driver can change the entire trajectory of their day. You never know what someone is carrying, and your gentleness might be the only relief they get.

This week, I challenge you to be the calm in the storm. Use the tools of National Kindness Week to find new ways to give back to your neighborhood. Volunteerism isn't just a resume builder; it’s a soul-expander. Whether you’re donating clothes or just donating your time to listen to a lonely relative, you’re fulfilling the promise of Bill S-223.

Let’s make this February more than just a cold month on the calendar. Let’s make it a season of warmth that sustains us through the rest of the year. Kindness is a renewable resource, and the more you give, the more you seem to have. Start small, stay present, and watch how the world responds to your light.