By Christina Wu
Graphic by Su Fang-pei
A stranger’s smile sparked reflections on the quiet power of kindness.
For a time, on my way to work every day, I often passed a middle-aged woman who seemed to work at a nearby hospital. Though we never exchanged words, I found myself looking forward to seeing her because she always carried a trace of a smile. On hectic workdays, when most people appeared harried and burdened, her calm, cheerful demeanor stood out. I often wondered, “Why is she in such a good mood every day? Is she naturally cheerful?” Whatever the reason, her smile felt like a gift.
Though it might not have seemed significant to others, her smile always uplifted me, giving me a sense of hope that I carried with me that day. My mind was often consumed by work-related worries and looming deadlines, but her smile was like a breath of fresh air—cutting through the fog and lightening my load in a most unexpected way. It also encouraged me to work on cultivating more positivity in my own life.
In a world filled with struggles and uncertainties, her smile reminded me that even the smallest of gestures can have a profound impact. A simple, unintentional act can create ripples of hope, offering a meaningful lift to someone’s spirits. This experience reinforced my belief in the quiet power of kindness and underscored how each of us can contribute to positivity, helping others see the silver linings behind the clouds.
Her smile also brought to mind Buddhist teachings on the three types of giving: the giving of material goods, the giving of the Dharma, and the giving of fearlessness. Material giving involves offering physical or financial resources to meet others’ needs. The giving of the Dharma means sharing wisdom or teachings that guide others toward inner peace. The giving of fearlessness entails providing comfort and support to help others overcome their fears.
Even without material wealth, anyone can give. Once, when I shared with my young niece the importance of giving, she said, “I’m still young and don’t have money. What can I give?” I told her that a smile, a kind word, or an encouraging gesture is also a form of giving—and that it can have an impact that surprises you.
We often underestimate our ability to make a difference, believing our small actions are too insignificant to matter in a vast, imperfect world. But the woman’s smile taught me otherwise. However unintentional it might have been, her smile planted a meaningful seed in my mind and inspired me to pass that same positivity and warmth to others.
This is often how a cycle of goodness begins. The starting point may seem insignificant or unexpected, but it ripples outward in ways we may never fully anticipate or see. So, why not start your own ripple?
