Humankind-ness & The New Umbrella For Our Times
A heavy rainfall pushed some flowers to the ground. Blooms love the rain but even they can be overwhelmed by sudden showers.
Heady petals bowed down to the dry summer grasses. Some fell to the gravelly path (see pictures below) where there was more evidence of too much soaking on a rainy day.
The "kind" in humankind was exhibited when someone placed an umbrella over a hydrangea bush (below).
With all the unkindness we humans unleash, it sometimes seems easier to lavish love on flowers than on people. But Be Kind To Humankind Week, from August 25th-31st, is a reminder that people, too, can feel overwhelmingly rained upon. A thoughtful gesture could help someone bounce back. And, of course, treating the environment well shows kindness to everyone in the long run.
Being kind is also physical distancing at a time when a mask is to Covid-19 what an umbrella is to rain. It might be hard to think of something new to do if behaving kindly is a daily routine for you. For Penelope, it's sharing her umbrella.
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ReplyDeleteThe flowers are still lovely, I have always loved daisies. The umbrella over the hydrangeas was a cute idea. Being kind should be a daily routine for all. Great inspiring post. Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!
Delightful and meaningful post and lovely photos despite the weather ~ love the daisies ~ and kindness umbrella ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteLive each moment with love,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
You know, here in the US we really need to be working on tolerance and being nice. Everything seems to be a fight now.
ReplyDeleteLovely post...
ReplyDeleteWith all the Forest Fires burning here in Colorado (5) and 100's in California, thickening the air with smoke, we could really use an "overwhelming" rain. It's been so hot and dry here.
It does seem like kindness is missing these days, a lack of respect. There is so much anger and hatred here. People resisting wearing masks despite a mask mandate in our state. There's just such an attitude of arrogance, and selfishness. People are not social distancing. It's all been politicized. Sigh... Very sad...
Those battered plants will pick themselves right back up again, and as humans we need to do that too. If only we could learn - universally - that being kind is so simple, yet so important, and can actually turn lives around. The other day I had to line up outside a store. It was hot. I was wearing a mask and staying behind the person ahead of me, a charming middle-aged lady who turned to make a little light conversation. Before long, we were totally engaged with each other, and had a lovely time. Lining up and wearing a mask seemed like nothing at all. I was almost sorry when it was her turn to go into the store ahead of me. Simple friendly conversation can be an act of kindness.
ReplyDeleteThe first shot makes me happy. Then I feel like the bent over flowers are saying how so many of us feel right now. The weight of it all.
ReplyDeletelike your flowers
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and evocative post! I do love the photo of the umbrella on the flowers.
ReplyDelete-Soma
That rainfall must have been heavy. Social distancing means we need to be more thoughtful about how we can be kind to one another and think outside the box. The umbrella over the hydrangea is a perfect example.
ReplyDeleteLove the word humankind-ness Isn't that what life is all about for humans. Spread some and receive some kindness.
ReplyDeleteLove the flowers and it looks as if they are bowing their hands but will strengthen and stand up again
Beautiful posting with all the flowers and these drawings, that's very touching!
ReplyDeletelook like Daffodil flowers at the first and second photos.....beautiful.... love it.
ReplyDeleteMaria - I am quite teary over your post. I was in a funk yesterday, and it has taken me a while today to pull myself out. Your kind comment on my blog certainly helped, and reading your post sealed it. My 'problems' are miniscule, and your little acts of kindness reminded me of that. I am going to find a way to "offer an umbrella" to someone else today!
ReplyDeleteAngie, your comment brightened my day, too. Consider your “umbrella of kindness" also gladly accepted by me. :)
DeleteI certainly do try to be kind, but have noticed it’s harder to be nice to strangers in this age of mask-wearing (except insofar as wearing one is itself an act of kindness). What I mean though is the way it’s difficult to make eye contact, to smile at people I pass, to offer to help someone in the grocery store....little everyday acts of, maybe not exactly kindness, but “niceness” ... acknowledgement of shared humanity... it’s just harder now, easier just not to see other people ... we are all just muddling through this together.
ReplyDeleteSuch a delightful post! I love the photo of the umbrella on the flowers.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday!