A while ago one of my students and friends sent this email to me and it surfaced again yesterday and seems fitting for my experiences, and the article this month.

"The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies.  Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that makes us feel more comfortable, peaceful and even blissful.  In fact the role of most anti-depressants is to stimulate the production of serotonin chemically, helping to ease depression.  Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness.  Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results.  Imagine this!  Kindness extended, received or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and feelings of everyone involved!"  by Wayne Dyer

Sounds crazy but this month I experienced it personally.  So let me tell you about it.  Georgette Fry is in the process of taking our choir music and donated unused musical instruments to a native reserve on James Bay to help the children there who basically have nothing.  She, and I, believe that music heals.   I sent out an email through Brian to the Battersea group which got picked up by Al Rankin and sent out to his group and the response has been amazing.  I have become the point person for her.  Last week I went to LCVI to meet Alain McCann a teacher there who donated a huge box of learn how to play different instruments, videos and cds as well as new drumsticks.  Then I met Georgette and picked up 3 violins and took them to Renaissance music, told them the story and they tuned, restrung, and fixed small things all for nothing.  Joe Mills Instrument Lending Institute donated many instruments as well.  

And Christine Jamieson a teacher at Frontenac High School enlisted other teachers and students to collect boxes of books to fill the library.   I couldn't believe the generosity and kindness of all these people.  There have been donations of books and musical instruments and accessories from private people as well as money donations. With all the horrible things going on right now in the world, it restored my faith in human beings.  There are good people out there.

I came home those days feeling so happy to have been a part of doing something kind and experiencing something kind from so many people.  It is really true that sending out kindness or even observing kindness does lift your vibration and make you feel good. It's such a worthy cause to help these native children who have nothing at all and no creative activities.

If you would like to help too, call me at 613-353-7803.  What we really need now is cash donations, for incidentals, cables, etc, to rent the truck and for gas to drive up there.  I can pick up donations in Kingston, or you can mail donations to me.  Georgette is going the first week of May to the reserve.

And if this charity program doesn't appeal to you there are so many needy people out there.  Find a program that does appeal and donate your time or some money to help.  You will do yourself a favour by increasing your own serotonin as well as helping someone in need.  Make a difference in the world, one little step at a time.