Never underestimate the power of a kind word or thought. It may affect one or many, many people without you even knowing it. Even a gentle touch can make a huge difference. My friend Rick Jarrow was participating in an intensive Zen meditation retreat that required him to meditate many hours a day in rigorous conditions. One morning Rick decided this was just too hard, and he would leave the retreat after the morning silent walking meditation practice. During the walk, a student behind Rick gently placed his hand on Ricks shoulder. In that touch, Rick told me, I felt totally comforted and encouraged. It was as if my friend was saying, I know this is hard for you. I believe in you. You have what it takes to do this. So I decided to stay, and I went on to gain tremendous strength from that retreat. That touch was the turning point.

You dont even need to speak or touch someone to help them. You can serve simply by the energy of your being. Emerson noted, Who you are speaks to me so loudly that I can hardly hear what you are saying. Indeed at every moment we radiate empowerment or discouragement simply by the feelings we dwell in.

One day while I was standing in line at a deli counter, I noticed a woman in a line beside mine. She kept looking at me as if she knew me. I didnt recognize her, so I just kept moving ahead. When we finally arrived at the counter at the same time, the woman turned to me and asked, Why are you so happy? Her question took me by surprise. I wasnt thinking about being happy or even trying. I guess Im just glad to be here and alive, I answered. How about you? I asked her. How is your day going?

She thought for a moment and then answered, Well, it wasnt going so well. But now that I saw you, I feel a lot better. With that, we both smiled and went on our ways. As I thought more about her comment, I realized it was the most meaningful compliment I could ever receive. Just being was healing.
Alan Cohen