Learning to live in a way that helps make the world better for everyone

One of my ideas is learning to be a safe, easy, fun and helpful person to talk to, for all kinds of people in all kinds of circumstances. I’m that way with some people sometimes. I’ve been trying to be that way more with more people. I might have made some progress, but if so very slowly. One way is to spend time with people very different from me, immersed in their world, trying to see things their and see good in what they’re doing, learning from them and with them, and/or working together in service to some common interest. Another way with each person is to educate myself about something that they’re interested in or like talking about.

Being a helpful person to talk to includes learning about resources available for people in various circumstances.
 
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Longfellow said:
I’m that way with some people sometimes. I’ve been trying to be that way more with more people.
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The path can be wide or narrow by choice eh?

I find my issue is when I wish to blame others for pushing me off the path rather than myself for not staying on it.

I think the more we choose to support each other in this endeavor the easier it will be.

If it is to be it is up to me....gotta start somewhere .
 
Longfellow said:
I’m starting this for anyone to post any ideas, religious or not, about learning to live in a way that helps make the world better for all people everywhere, now and in the future.
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This might be a bit more prosaic than you were looking for, but:

Before you spend money, pause to consider whose pocket you are putting your power into.
 
Another idea is educating ourselves about the good and the harm that is being done in every industry and by every organization and alliance, and to consider that in our choice of occupation and volunteer work and how we practice it.
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Longfellow said:
Another idea is to work as a volunteer in a network or center that provides services to people when they are in painful or difficult circumstances.
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An excellent idea Longfellow, such work is immensely valuable and can be very satisfying. I did this for five years and worked with some terrible cases of suffering. In the end it led to burnout, and I was far from the only one.
Please remember that you have to look out for yourself too.
 
I think deserve is the master virtue that makes all other virtues align and balance. I ask myself what deserves the charity and compassion I'm willing to give, and how does that balance with my time, energy and resources. There's a natural deserve, and an earned deserve in people; sometimes +, sometimes -.

I think when I look at myself first, I ask, what do I deserve according to all the values my conscience informs me of, and how does that fit with others I'm willing to help. Not everyone wants the help I'm able to give, nor does everyone deserve it. I guess that's where patience and courage come into play when thinking of helping others.

I think the first step is finding common ground. See what moves, and inspires. Some people are closed off, others are open. In a world full of unknowns who knows where the first step is going to be.

Good people seek out the truth of what deserves what: self to self, self to others, others to self.

A seed of kindness goes a long way. Depends on what part of town you're in too. Lol.

Not everyone is aligned to the same goals, and aspirations. A lot of people would do well to work on themselves before reaching out to others. Getting a vision, with values and standards.
 
Longfellow said:
I’m starting this for anyone to post any ideas, religious or not, about learning to live in a way that helps make the world better for all people everywhere, now and in the future.
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Virtue, renouncing, modesty... that would help all (by really helping yourself), but my person doesn't think that good householders willness for helpfull sacrifices would be sufficient enough. Right.
 
Longfellow said:
I’m starting this for anyone to post any ideas, religious or not, about learning to live in a way that helps make the world better for all people everywhere, now and in the future.
Click to expand...

Having been prone to depression(not usually for any reason) for most of my years, I have taught myself not accept such a state, or to put it metaphorically, no matter how dark life seems, there is always a spot of light. Focus there.

In appying that to myself, my miniscule contribution to world mind/spirit/psyche is positive and helps lift up the world.
 
Clobbernocky said:
I ask myself what deserves the charity and compassion I'm willing to give, and how does that balance with my time, energy and resources.
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I believe everyone needs to be treated with kindness, whether they deserve it or not. I have been a Street Pastor since 2008, we wonder around the streets of our town until 3 - 4 in the morning to care, listen and help when we can. We have walked in the middle of many angry, violent drunken fights, sometimes with 20 or 30 drunks, broken bottles and tools have been used as weapons. Sometimes we can be with them for an hour before the police arrive.

We search for a kind solution for all involved, it is not for us to pass judgement on who is right or wrong. Most times, people give us a hug and shake our hands they thank us for our acts of kindness. Sometimes, people say we have helped them change their lives. I always ask, How! But they don't seem able to put it into words.

My understanding is, people see us doing acts of kindness to people who possibly don't deserve it, they see there are alternative ways to think and act. Sometimes when we help someone, they offer us money. I always say, No. Rather, if we have helped you, then you help a stranger, pass the kindness on.

I truthfully believe that continuous little acts of kindness over the last 18 years, have had an impact in our town.
 
@Craz I am saddened to read of your problem. A big well done for fighting back. Reading your post has helped lift me today, thank you.

@EricPH I watched some videos about your guys a year or two back. So impressive. If I had been a Christian I would have been signing up the next day.
 
EricPH said:
I believe everyone needs to be treated with kindness, whether they deserve it or not.
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Then you practice forbearance and mercy. I believe there are limits to this.
EricPH said:
I have been a Street Pastor since 2008, we wonder around the streets of our town until 3 - 4 in the morning to care, listen and help when we can. We have walked in the middle of many angry, violent drunken fights, sometimes with 20 or 30 drunks, broken bottles and tools have been used as weapons. Sometimes we can be with them for an hour before the police arrive.

We search for a kind solution for all involved, it is not for us to pass judgement on who is right or wrong.
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Self preservation and self defense, and protecting loved ones depends on discerning right and wrong.
EricPH said:
Most times, people give us a hug and shake our hands they thank us for our acts of kindness. Sometimes, people say we have helped them change their lives. I always ask, How! But they don't seem able to put it into words
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EricPH said:
My understanding is, people see us doing acts of kindness to people who possibly don't deserve it, they see there are alternative ways to think and act. Sometimes when we help someone, they offer us money. I always say, No. Rather, if we have helped you, then you help a stranger, pass the kindness on.
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Having mercy is not something I'm against. But I won't forsake deservedness when it comes to deliberate evils

EricPH said:
I truthfully believe that continuous little acts of kindness over the last 18 years, have had an impact in our town.
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rocala said:
@Craz I am saddened to read of your problem. A big well done for fighting back. Reading your post has helped lift me today, thank you.
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I don't regard it as a problem anymore than I regard hyperacuses( & other annoyances) as problems. When these things raise their heads, I have learnt not to feed them.
It's a bit like having a neighbour who is always ranting, one learns to just notd and walk on by.

Suffice it to say, I think that existence/life itself is something wonderful. It's a vision worth fighting for, if lost.

(I am presently enjoying a hot UK summer)
 
Clobbernocky said:
Self preservation and self defense, and protecting loved ones depends on discerning right and wrong.
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In human terms, we should look after ourselves first, do self defence and protect loved ones. Street Pastors should not work, because we seem to do the opposite. I am now 77, so I know if I walk in the middle of twenty people fighting, I am the weakest person there. Self defence would be a pointless exercise.

I find, fighting violence with kindness has a profound affect, and in 18 years, none of us have been hurt; I find this truly amazing. I can say, that I experience the peace of God that surpasses all my understand, it happens during times I know I should be feeling fear and worry.
 
EricPH said:
In human terms, we should look after ourselves first, do self defence and protect loved ones. Street Pastors should not work, because we seem to do the opposite. I am now 77, so I know if I walk in the middle of twenty people fighting, I am the weakest person there. Self defence would be a pointless exercise.

I find, fighting violence with kindness has a profound affect, and in 18 years, none of us have been hurt; I find this truly amazing.
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This is truly amazing. I've played peacemaker a few times with violent people just trying to get reason into their heads. I got through it. But so many people are hell bent on self destruction, that it would be exhausting, and draining just to help them.
EricPH said:
I can say, that I experience the peace of God that surpasses all my understand, it happens during times I know I should be feeling fear and worry.
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