Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Smile Newsletter: The Japanese Man, Frank, and Michael

Nov 6, 2011 “What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.” –Buddha “I received my smile cards last week and was itching to use them! I decided to go to a sandwich shope and ordered my meal and then added $5 to buy a gift card. When my order was placed I gave the gift card back to the cashier with a smile card and asked her to do me a favor and give it with the $5 meal card to whoever she wanted to, someone next in line or coming later in the day. I have no idea who got the gift card but the cashier gave me most heartfelt smile and said “how cool is that”! I was happy to see that the smile chain had already started! I love it!” –anonymous [ share your story >> ] You can also contribute comments on each story! Dining with Mr. Yepp, a Smiling Face in the Cafeteria >> Setting up an Apartment for a Girl in Need >> The Japanese Man, Frank, and Michael >> More Stories >> “Simplicity in a busy day, a child who seems alone, and elderly man and/or woman whose eyes meet mine and I want to say hello. Kindness is so gentle, so free, so easy to pass along. I was raised with many of my mother’s friends around and they were always so kind, smiling and a gentle hug or words of praise. Back then, kindness for your neighbor was simply a part of life – uncomplicated and extended with love and gratitude. It truly is so easy to be kind. Just fill your heart with love, put a smile on your face and look people straight in the eyes. You may find that a smile and grateful “hello” comes your way!” –msn53 What is a “smile card”? It’s a game of kindness — do something nice for someone and leave a card behind asking them to pay it forward. To date, 979,865 cards have been shipped without any charge. The ‘Smiles’ newsletter is emailed to 85,161 subscribers with the intent of spreading more smiles in the world. You can unsubscribe anytime. get smile cards | donate | write to us

Of Forests and Men

Our lives are like islands in the sea, or like trees in the forest, which co-mingle their roots in the darkness underground. — William James

~~~~ Inspiration of the Day: To commemorate 2011 as the International Year of Forests, the United Nations appointed Yann Arthus-Bertrand to create a short video to raise consciousness about forests. Using stunning aerial photography and video footage, the producer (whose previous online movie was seen by 400 million people) has done it again. http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169B970:C3009629A010612C40A9EAD6DBD28AC1B4B847859706E37D&

~~~~ Be The Change: Spend some time in nature today.

**Share A Reflection** http://premiere.whatcounts.com/t?ctl=169B971:C3009629A010612C40A9EAD6DBD28AC1B4B847859706E37D&