Generosity is our best defense!

Given the current fragility of our beautiful world and the subsequent sense of unease, what can we do on a micro level to help soothe the disquiet?

Smile at a stranger, leave some garden flowers on your neighbour’s doorstep, give time to an elderly relative or friend, write a letter to a friend who is struggling, and hold open a door for an incomer. Cook a meal for someone in need, give up your place in a queue to someone with fewer items…

The list of small altruistic gestures is endless and no doubt individual thoughtfulness has a considerable national impact.

When I returned from the clinic a few days ago, there was a large paper bag on my veranda. It was filled with home-grown tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, silver beet, green beans and herbs from my next door neighbour’s garden. A few days later there were four cans of butter beans from another kind neighbour. A friend has brought me dates, figs, dukkha and toilet rolls! I feel truly blessed.

Let’s not get caught up in the panic and share what we can as much as possible.