In her New York Times best selling book, Self-compassion, Kristin Neff, Ph.D., states that one of the three elements of Self-compassion is Self-kindness. Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.  Self-compassionate people recognize that being imperfect, failing, and experiencing life difficulties is inevitable, so they tend to be gentle with themselves when confronted with painful experiences rather than getting angry when life falls short of set ideals. People cannot always be or get exactly what they want. When this reality is denied or fought against suffering increases in the form of stress, frustration and self-criticism.  When this reality is accepted with sympathy and kindness, greater emotional equanimity is experienced.
I had the fortune to meet with this brilliant woman this past weekend. Her website, www.self-compassion.org I recommend to everyone. It teaches you some of the basics of Self-compassion.
Information about her book, lectures and workshops can be found as well.
Visit her website to discover the other two elements of Self-compassion.

If I ever had to create the perfect captive audience for spreading word of One Million Acts Of Kindness, the 85th annual Zilker Kite Festival in Austin, Texas would be it. Thousands of kids of all ages came out to simply, fly kites. I took the day off but positioned The Kindness Bus and The Kindness Bicycle where they could be seen by thousands in Austin. The weather was perfect, breezy and mild. Perfect for flying kites.
Every now and then I watch from a distance at the lessons that are learned from the writings on both and the conversations that occur. Parents and children talking about kindness, it doesn’t get any better than that. Even the kites in the trees with their bright colors added to the beauty of this day.

Today I had the honor of visiting Rupert Isaacson and Kristin Neff, the founders of The Horse Boy Foundation. Their son, Rowan was diagnosed with autism and it was discovered that his connection with a horse helped him function at a much higher level. This amazing story was made into an award winning movie as well as a New York Times best-seller. Please visit their website www.horseboyfoundation.org

The following is a note I received from a student at Louisiana State University:

“I want to say, Keep Going!  I think what you are doing really can change lives.
Coming from someone who was constantly bullied while growing up, I know how far a kind gesture can go.
People made me hate myself, and to this day I am still dealing with different issues from being bullied.
You are teaching people that they aren’t worthless but endlessly loved.  You really have to love yourself before you can truly love anything else.
You are not spreading words people should hear, you are spreading love that they need to hear.  Doubt and hatred kills more dreams then failures ever will.
Thank you,”

Sometimes even the best laid plans don’t unfold as desired. Two students from Rice University talked with me this past summer in NYC. They said, “If you are ever in Houston, come to Rice University!” I went to their campus today, never realizing that their Spring Break was in full swing. Whoops!! I never checked the school calendar. At best, I saw 100 students the entire time I was there.
Very friendly people around the campus include: Ruth, a veteran of the campus police said it was a nice break not having all the kids around but she missed them.
Mark, an alumn, helped direct me around campus and took the fine photo for today’s blog. Thanks to William from the student copy center for the copies of the hand out sheets. Nikki, who works in the alumni department says she will spread the word.

I started the day thinking I would spend a few hours on the LSU campus. All that changed, the moment I arrived.
Patti Beste who works in the Registrars office, followed me across campus. She asked me if I would be interested in parking at the Union. I said yes, and spent the day. Lyn Taylor, an Administrator gave her enthusiastic approval and invited me to visit again. Missy Verdin, who diligently runs the Visitor Center, made sure we were looked after. Thank you to all 3 women.
The Union was the perfect place for The Kindness Bus to be parked and have conversations. Thousands of students made their way past, I talked with hundreds about Bullying and Adolescent Suicide. I rode throughout the campus and found students at every turn.
Thank you to Jonette for the birthday card.

My heart was with the Chardon, Ohio community today, as it is everyday on this ride. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Look for an article this weekend.

I took an unplanned detour to have The Kindness Bus worked on once again. Hopefully this third time will be a charm.
It seems that no matter which direction The Kindness Bus heads, incredible things happen.
I left the mechanic’s garage in the direction of 4 local schools. I came across a Senior Center that looked friendly enough, so I stopped in.
Some of the staff and seniors, Cabrini, Joy, Donna, Don, Marion and Jack welcomed me with open arms. They insisted I stay for lunch and even insisted to take up a donation to support my mission. Such incredible generosity was shown.
I visited 3 schools and the board of education later in the day. One of the school’s students cheered loudly in the distance, as I rode by with the “Overcome Bullying Through Love” sign facing them.