Remember the book All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten? I've been thinking about that lately in relation to how our behaviors - even little ones - can have a big impact in our own life and the lives of others. Somehow, this came to mind as I was watching an episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" the other night. (Yes, another guilty pleasure!) It was the episode in which Kate sets up a system of baskets for the little kids (she calls them "the babies") to use when putting their toys away. What struck me was that something as seemingly simple as putting things back where we found them can have long-term positive impact, even on a global level. Ponder for a moment if we, as a civilization, remembered to put things back where we found them or--even better--left each area of our planet that we touch in better condition than when we found it.
So, without adding unnecessary detail, I'd like to present some simple behaviors and habits that have transformed many areas of my own life, and I will leave it to the reader to interpret and apply in as many ways as he or she sees fit.
1. Always tell the truth.
2. Clean up after yourself.
3. Say "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me".
4. Listen carefully at all times.
5. Share with others.
6. Keep your eyes on your own work.
7. Be kind and respectful to others--and to yourself.
8. If you are not sure about something, ask a question.
9. You may agree or disagree with ideas, but not people.
10. Follow directions and obey the rules.
11. Always do your best.
12. Wash your hands.
13. Come to school/work/life prepared and on time.
14. Do your homework.
15. Resolve hurt feelings by talking, not by hurting others.
16. Be sure to get enough sleep each night.
17. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
18. Offer help to others in need.
19. Use your resources wisely. (Take only what you need.)
20. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. (sorry--had to add that one. not sure how it would contribute to world peace, but i'm sure we'd all smile a lot more if we had clean teeth!)
I am sure this is not all we really need to know--as an adult, I know that life is more complex. However, I tend to think it is only as complex as we allow it to be. It comforts me to see how spiritual truth can be lived or expressed quite simply. And more than anything, all this is a good reminder to myself not to allow things to become too complicated.