Periodically, on Poetry Pop, you will see a Zen Pop blog post. These posts are my way of sharing on a personal level. It is a way to give you a bit of poetic encouragement while traversing this beautiful (and often challenging) thing we call life.

Have you seen the 1984 movie Impulse? The film’s plot is about the residents of a small rural town who begin to exhibit strange and violent behavior. This happens after a minor earthquake ruptures the seal on a toxic waste burial site. The poisonous waste then leaks into milk at a processing plant.

Drivers experienced road rage due to exposure to toxins. Neighbors were feuding, and people lost their verbal filters. People were angry. They also lost the ability to control themselves morally. I remember watching this show long ago, thinking, “Wow, that would be horrible!” Fast forward 40 years, and sadly, this plot is no longer so far-fetched.

In many towns, these actions are a daily occurrence, manifesting in distressing ways that reflect a growing societal issue. Road aggression has changed simple commutes into high-stress battlefields. Honking horns and raised fists have become familiar sights. Anger towards others at the grocery store or sporting events is commonplace. Social media platforms only amplify this discontent. The very fabric of community that once mostly thrived on empathy and understanding appears frayed. However, I am a half-glass-full girl, and I remain optimistic that kindness will prevail.

What can we do?

We can’t control others but we can make kind and thoughtful gestures toward them. Kindness is contagious; one act of kindness can lead to kindness in others, creating a ripple effect. When we take the time to show compassion and understanding, we uplift those around us. This can be through a simple smile, a helping hand, or a heartfelt compliment. We inspire them to do the same.

As expressed in my children’s book, The Thank You Book, teaching young minds about gratitude is essential. Imparting kindness can instill values that last a lifetime. This allows future generations to carry the torch of compassion forward.

finding zen

I like to escape into poetry because it calms me. It heals my soul and provides a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. The careful choice of words and the rhythms of verse act like a balm for my spirit. Music can do the same thing, evoking emotions that words alone sometimes can’t capture. I was going to write a poem for this post but decided on a music playlist instead.

Click the image below to listen to my playlist, A Kindness Vibe, filled with tracks that uplift, soothe, and inspire. You can sign up for free if you don’t have a Pandora account. The free version contains ads but is still a good streaming option.

PANDORA “A Kindness Vibe” playlist

I’ve included a screenshot of the songs included on this playlist if you’d like to create A Kindness Vibe playlist on Spotify, Prime Music, or any other streaming service in which you have access:

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THANKS FOR POPPING IN

I hope you will start a haiku journal and take it along on your next vacation. If you enjoy Poetry Pop, please share the love with your friends and family using the buttons below. I am growing my site and always appreciate a shout-out. And as always, thank you for following the blog for your little pop of poetry.