[kilibry]

here's something i've been kicking around:

christmas is the most sto holiday that we have presently. however, from a polarized point of view, it's still kind of lacking, you know? you only give presents to people inside of your in-group, people who have rich friends get rich presents, people who have poor friends and family get poor presents, and the end-of-year shopping sprees also have the negative effect of fueling an overly consumeristic mindset in our culture. also, people say that stuff about "good will towards men, blah blah blah" but i see very few do anything about it.

so i started wondering what a more purely sto holiday would be like. and i basically get the image of a day outside, walking around (this would be easier in a city, i guess, since there are more people around) just helping people. preferably anonymously. like:

putting coins in payphones'/subway ticket machines'/vending machines' change trays

looking for people who may be lost and guiding them to their destination

buying gift certificates for restaurants or toy stores or something and giving them to people who look like they need a break or who have lots of children

buying a starbucks card, even just for five bucks or something, and asking the barista to give it to the next person after you (or third person, if you want to give yourself time to make your "escape")

going to playgrounds and burying quarters in the sand (not too deep!)

i imagine if somebody walks right up to someone to give them something, there will be strange looks and doubt as to your motives, so a little explanatory card might be in order, just to alleviate fear and suspicion for the receiving party.

any other suggestions?

[Qnpqbpac]

great idea. the opportunities really are endless. you could cut someone's grass for them, rake their leaves,clean their house, take their dog for a walk, offer to look after (of course this would have to be someone you know) someones kids for a bit so they can have some personal time.

you could share some of your garden's bounty. go through all your stuff and donate what you don't need to charity.

lets do it.

megan

[Janarealiti]

this reminds me of the movie "pay it forward." if you haven't seen it, then pick it up at your local video store. in it, a kid asks the question "why do we wait for a favor to be done to us, before we 'pay it back.' why not go find someone that needs a favor and 'pay it forward'?" thus begins a chain of good deeds that escalate in momentum.

from my perspective, one great, but under performed, service to others that we can all do daily is to see the one infinite creator in everyone else. it's funny how, when you look - even at strangers - with that thought, they invariably acknowledge you and frequently smile.

3d

[TNgqZhLR]

john, what a wonderful thought you created. i like your idea and have done a few things of my own locally, during the year. it feels good to give and not expect anything in return (no conditions)

another idea, is our day labors, perhaps prior to the holiday, stop by and give $ 5.00 for lunch or dinner. believe me, 5.00 goes a long way for some.... they can choose what they will get for that.... some of them are homeless even if they show up at these sites. and if they do not work, they do not eat... even, make sandwiches and pass out.... old fashion style.

here's something i've been kicking around:

so i started wondering what a more purely sto holiday would be like. and i basically get the image of a day outside, walking around (this would be easier in a city, i guess, since there are more people around) just helping people. preferably anonymously. like:

putting coins in payphones'/subway ticket machines'/vending machines' change trays

i imagine if somebody walks right up to someone to give them something, there will be strange looks and doubt as to your motives, so a little explanatory card might be in order, just to alleviate fear and suspicion for the receiving party. any other suggestions?