I have a confession. In the early 2000s I was one of those toxic guys who would tell people “Smile” at all the tables I would visit on the Maya Express.

Just like my Spiritual Path, the Path of Walking teaches, that when people smiling because you say smile doesn’t make them feel better or their lives any better. Just makes you feel better.

What God, my Spiritual Guide, taught me was “stop telling people to do things. Be the example”

A more modern song I am reminded of now since on my Spiritual Path is by the artist MC Yogi.

Smile and wave.

How many time have you heard the phrase “just be kind”?

How often have you thought exactly what does that look like? Exactly what does that accomplish?

For decades whenever I’m on a walk whether with a pet or not I always smile and wave at cars, bike riders, even the squirrels. Ask my friend Lisa. She caught me conversing with one once 😂.

Smile and wave.

A little over an year ago I moved to what is probably the busiest street I have ever lived on. I take Captain and Millie for a walk every day one at a time, around 7am.

More on them can be found at Pets on my Path

We walk, I chant japa, the puppies smile, I smile and wave.

Most the times when I see faces, they were normal “7am why are you so chipper faces”

I am no fool. I know most people see the puppies first. But did the smile and wave do anything also? I can hardly ever see anyone when I smile and wave at them because of the way the sun rises.

So, I never really took stock of does anyone ever reciprocate.

Smile and wave.

Then the most peculiar thing started happening. People would roll their windows down and stick their hands out as I waved. Occasionally someone would light tap their horn. I thought at first, I was seeing things or just wishful thinking.

The true impact really hit me when cars coming up behind us (not just ones coming towards us), slow down and roll down their windows to smile and wave before accelerating as they go past us.

Smile and wave.

Just a few minutes a day if that is all you can muster.

Not even asking for the entire day.

Just be kind in your way.

Be the change that you want to see.

Doesn’t matter if no one replies back or if you can even see their responses.

Just keep being kind.

Really does work when we try.

Smile and wave.

Yours Forever Grateful.