An Anne Herbert quote
Reading time: About two to three minutes
Encouraging Thoughts
Anne Herbert’s quote “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty” is a powerful reminder of the impact that small, gracious gestures can have on those around us. It suggests that we should strive to be intentional in our actions, actively seeking out opportunities to be kind to others. By doing so, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those around us, known to us or not, as well as in our own lives.
One of the most encouraging things about this quote is that it doesn’t require any special skills or resources to put into practice. Simple acts of kindness such as holding the door open for someone, dropping a friend an encouraging message, or even just smiling at a stranger can make a big impact. Plus, random acts can happen at any moment, just when the feeling takes you.
It does seem that most of us find the “senseless acts of beauty” part of the quote the most confusing. When you think of “acts of beauty,” you may think of the public sharing of something beautiful such as a bunch of flowers, a painting or even a piece of music you have written. However, Anne may have meant something less literal. The “beauty” could reference how each of us feels when we experience anything that we find charming, enchanting, or even magnificent. So, by making others feel blessed, excited, or special about an act that we do, whether indirectly or directly, may be the process of putting beauty out there in the world.
It should also be noted that “senseless” means that this process should not be premeditated. It’s off the cuff, without thought, driven by a desire to share joy. Therefore making the act not only senseless but also selfless.
Break Time
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and focus solely on your own needs and wants. Why not take a few minutes out of your day to think about how you can help others and make the world a more beautiful place? It could be something as simple as buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line or leaving a note of encouragement on a co-worker’s desk. The key is to make it random, so you never know who will be the recipient of your kindness or beauty.
Another way to put this quote into practice is to actively seek out opportunities to create a beautiful moment. This could be as simple as noticing a lonely person in a public space and striking up a conversation with them or taking a few minutes to pick up rubbish from a local park.
This may all feel a little “pre-meditated” initially but soon enough you’ll be sharing joy without thinking! By being more aware of ways to make a difference, you can turn this quote into a daily habit that has a real impact on the world around you.
About the Author
Anne Herbert, who was born on January 31, 1952 in San Francisco, California, USA, was an American author known for her work in the field of spiritual writing. She was best known for her book, “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”, which was first published in 1995 and became a best-seller. The book focuses on finding peace and happiness in daily life and was widely acclaimed for its inspiring message and down-to-earth advice. Herbert also wrote several other books on spirituality and personal growth, and her work continues to inspire readers around the world.