Welcome to SERVICE week!
SERVICE– an act of helpful activity; to be helpful or useful
In today’s photo, “Natasha is practicing for her future summer job, serving at some seaside burger shack. And Kevin is always happy to play along.” My daughter also likes to play this. The most wonderful job for her would be to wait tables at her favorite restaurant. Children instinctively know that being of service is a joy. Toddlers insist on “helping” even when it doesn’t go as intended but somewhere on the way to growing up some of us forget this.
We also fall into the trap of thinking to really be of service we have to do something really big or grandiose. Going to Africa on a mission project or building a house with Habitat for Humanity counts but anything less is barely worth the time. I find myself being envious of people who have that much time and energy to give.
January suggests something else:
Circles of Service
by January Handl
Who knows what will serve?
To grow
To grieve
To rest
To heal
To express
To connect
To feel gratitude
For this moment?
Some of the most
painful times
Some of the most
joyful times
In my life
Have provided the
Grace of illumination
Once I am looking over my shoulder
And view the points of pain or joy
At a distance that I can wistand
The immense feelings
That threaten my composure
Losing my composure
Is often when I lose
My concern over
What others might think or feel
About my authentic
Deep-feeling self.
Others have pointed to nature
To stories
To movement
To stillness
To being held
To being released
What will serve
is the fluid state
Of total presence
with what is
Peace peace peace
peace
In practice
is a moving target.
Yes! “Who knows what will Serve?” We do!! There are chances all around us to be of service. All we have to do is look around. If someone is lost, offer directions. If someone drops something, pick it up. If someone is rushing to the checkout stand, let them go first.
This week our Bliss Initiative is to be of service. Anywhere we go, if we just take a moment to observe we’ll see where what we have, a kind word, a knowing nod or any manner of simple gestures is exactly what someone needs.
Follow our children’s lead, be of service and feel the joy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tamara and January are here each Monday to help set the mood for the week!
Tamara Magnitsky
My mission is fulfilling a lifelong desire to be a creative professional making a positive difference in the lives of those I encounter. Photographing unique personalities in a fun and relaxed environment. To challenge myself creatively, listen deeply and take a damn good picture.
See Tamara’s photography on her Facebook Page.
January Handl
January Handl is first and always a mother, has been a preschool teacher and parent educator for 25 years. She is currently lives in Aptos California AND simply in awe of existence.
She calls her photo “hot tub bliss” 🙂