Micro-real life-practice
A few days ago, I attended a memorial for a neighbor and friend. He was an elderly man who lost his battle with cancer. We weren’t close, but we had many conversations over many years. At the memorial, his family and friends spoke about him, and what struck me was that all of them experienced the same man I did.
He listened more than he spoke. He asked questions about you rather than talking about himself. He was generous, consistently cheerful, and always greeted me with a genuine warmth that was quietly disarming.
This is a rare quality, and when someone has it, you don’t forget them.
I like to think I have this quality, but he took it much further. As everyone shared their own relationship with him and how he touched them, I felt emotionally moved. He was a clear example of how embodying kindness, generosity, genuine curiosity, and humility can have a positive impact that ripples far beyond what seems like a simple conversation.
He was very supportive of my art—he attended some of my shows—and always offered genuine encouragement.
It occurred to me that this is how the six heart virtues work: they are qualities transmitted through our behaviors, in any moment life presents.
For instance:
There is no time or experience that isn’t ripe for expressing the virtues. It can be as simple as transmitting appreciation to someone close to you—especially where you might otherwise follow a familiar pattern of detached connection. A gentle, warm smile; a kind word; or listening with deep, genuine respect is appreciation in motion.
My friend, intuitively, knew this. He gave his full attention to whoever he was talking with—offering appreciation, compassion, and humility. This small act is a form of love transmitted to another, and that’s why it has such an effect. They may not understand what happened at the time, but they felt seen and uplifted. He was like a tuning fork, entraining others into a higher vibrational tone that is carried forward.
Simple, quiet gestures ripple out to distant shores unknown. This is how coherence spreads—quietly, human to human.
In honoring him, I choose one simple act of kindness today. May its ripple find who needs it.
To make this simple and practical, use the When–Which–How method:
- When: You notice you’re not listening. Anxiety peaks and impatience pulls you away.
- Which: Compassion for self. Appreciation for noticing the old pattern—let humility soften the space.
- How: Hand to heart. Inhale, exhale. Whisper, “I pause. I listen. I take one kind step.” Do one small step today.
One simple act today is enough—more than enough.
Six Heart Virtues: Appreciation • Compassion • Forgiveness • Humility • Understanding • Valor
Try it today: Name the virtue, take one breath, choose one small act.
Practice with us at thesixheartvirtues.com.