Universal Vibrations Corner

Transforming the World through Gratitude

I must confess, last October, a troubled student fabricated a lie about me to their parent and the school, leading to my academic suspension for an entire quarter during an extensive investigation. What should have been resolved in a few days stretched into an entire semester, leaving me in the dark without communication or clarity. The school district later admitted they “forgot” to inform me when to return to work, marking one of the most stressful periods I’ve faced in a while. The strain exacerbated my “smoldering MS,” manifesting frightening symptoms. This recent ordeal felt like a dark night of the soul, and while the number of such nights remains a mystery, I believe there should be a limit to such trials.

In the end, I was cleared of all accusations, but the ordeal left me deeply unhappy. Despite dedicating over 35 years to education, I’ve occasionally stirred controversy by advocating for empowering students to recognize the power of their thoughts in effecting change. You may wonder, if I believe so strongly in this philosophy, why did I endure such hardship? It’s a question I’ve pondered for many sleepless nights. Prior to this ordeal, I had immersed myself in seeking truth online, often encountering fear-inducing content and dystopian warnings. These themes lingered in my mind, burdening my heart, and unexpectedly manifested stress in my personal life.

During this nightmarish time, I tossed and turned countless nights, grappling with a range of emotions from depression to rage due to the false accusations against me. The sense of helplessness stemming from the lack of clarity about when I could present my side of the story was overwhelming. I couldn’t help but think, “Even someone facing arrest knows when their trial date is set.” The uncertainty forced me to delve deep within myself, not only monitoring my thoughts but also completely transforming my outlook on myself and my role as a teacher.

When I was informed of my impending academic paid suspension, one of the assistant principals lamented the district’s bureaucratic inefficiency in handling such matters. I realized that part of the problem stemmed from the district’s policy of granting students a 100% grade even if they have not attended class or demonstrated academic progress. Teaching in Nashville’s most diverse high school, which has garnered negative attention as a “drop-out factory,” I’ve encountered numerous immigrant students who arrived in the country as teenagers and were placed in advanced classes without the foundational knowledge required. My absence for one quarter guarantees these students will pass with a minimum grade, perpetuating the notion of getting something for nothing. While I believe in instilling a strong work ethic in young people, I also acknowledge the power of the Law of Attraction in shaping their beliefs and behaviors. However, despite my efforts to inspire academic achievement, some students persist in expecting rewards without effort

One remarkable phenomenon emerged from this tumultuous time, beginning on that fateful first day. While waiting in the office for what felt like an eternity as the school board drafted my paperwork, Natalie Merchant’s song “Kind and Generous” began playing as a clairaudient event, and its refrain, “I want to thank you for it,” echoed incessantly in my mind. Despite not knowing all the lyrics, those words persisted, even haunting my late-night thoughts. I grappled with confusion and anger towards the First Creator for what seemed like a cruel joke—how could I find gratitude amidst such uncertainty, impending autoimmune issues, and the prospect of debilitating pain and loss? What was there to be thankful for amidst false accusations, potential job loss, and a bleak diagnosis with no cure in sight? I have always remained committed to bettering my classroom presence, showing my students their inherent greatness. It’s an indescribable feeling to witness a student overcome their self-doubt and realize their artistic potential, proving that with dedication, even the most unexpected achievements are possible. I grappled with the thoughts of this coming to an abrupt end due to lies, how was gratitude going to be cultivated during this time?

Realizing the school district’s lack of urgency regarding my case, I took a much-needed mini vacation to my hometown of St. Louis to reconnect with my uncle, whom I had neglected for too long. He graciously provided a hotel room for me, where I surrounded myself with art supplies, seeking solace from the stress and responsibilities of daily life. During this introspective journey, I visited old friends and too many family members in the graveyard, shedding tears and uncovering hidden truths about myself. These experiences served as a catalyst for the changes I am currently implementing to rebuild my life on my own terms. As my last child prepares to graduate from high school and my husband pursues his own path, I have embraced the need for self-care and self-discovery, even making decisions about my future “remains” due to the realization that time may be shorter than expected. While it may seem selfish, I’ve learned that profound discoveries about myself often arise when I prioritize responsibility to myself above all else.

Now that you’re familiar with my current journey, let’s delve into the topic of gratitude, of thankfulness, of embodying the “kind” in humankind. Despite periodically glimpsing the turmoil of the world through media musings of death and destruction, I’ve chosen to seek, acknowledge, and then release rather than attempting to serve as a “way shower” for others to awaken to the injustices around us. I once believed I had more time to fight and change the world, but now I understand that true change begins with oneself. As the record of my life plays on, this new echo resonates within me: “While expressing gratitude in your own way, Be the reason someone is thankful for today. As we put the ‘kind’ in humankind, We’ll change the world one thank you at a time.”

As the chronicle of my life unfolds, a new mantra reverberates within me: ‘While expressing gratitude in your own unique manner, Be the catalyst for someone’s thankfulness today. As we infuse kindness into the fabric of humanity, we’ll catalyze change one thank you at a time.’ I encourage you, dear reader, to adopt this perspective and join me in being the impetus for someone’s gratitude today.

I invite you to join my circle of gratitude. Together, we can vanquish the looming shadow of despair with simple “Thank Yous” and acts of service to others, which ultimately serve ourselves as we catalyze change in the world, one thank you at a time. Each smile we share pushes back against despair, bridging the gaps created by segregation and learned hatred. As part of humankind, aren’t we all grappling with gravity, hunger, thirst, fatigue, uncertainty, and the longing for connection and love? Deep within our hearts, we all yearn to be seen and understood. If we listen too closely to the noise of the media, we risk adopting faces of fear and hatred, which are far from beautiful. But could we not transform the world by simply extending a hand of kindness to those around us, both familiar and unfamiliar?

Let’s elevate our vibrations by embodying kindness and generosity, echoing the timeless words of Ms. Merchant. Here are 15 suggestions for spreading kindness at no monetary cost:

1. Offer a genuine compliment to someone.
2. Listen attentively to someone who needs to talk.
3. Hold the door open for someone behind you.
4. Write a heartfelt note of appreciation to a friend or family member.
5. Volunteer your time to help a neighbor with chores or errands.
6. Share a smile with a stranger you pass by.
7. Send a supportive text message to someone going through a tough time.
8. Offer to lend a helping hand to someone struggling with a task.
9. Leave a positive review for a local business you appreciate.
10. Offer words of encouragement to someone pursuing their dreams.
11. Share your favorite uplifting song or quote with someone who needs a boost.
12. Offer to pet sit or babysit for a friend in need.
13. Share surplus produce or goods with neighbors or a local food bank.
14. Offer to teach a skill or hobby to someone interested in learning.
15. Write a letter of appreciation to someone who has positively impacted your life.

By practicing these simple acts of kindness, we can collectively raise the energy of our communities and create a more compassionate world.

Self-kindness is essential for nurturing our own well-being and inner peace. Here are 15 suggestions for uplifting acts of kindness to nourish your heart space:

1. Take a leisurely walk in nature and appreciate the beauty around you.
2. Set aside time for a relaxing bath or self-care ritual.
3. Treat yourself to your favorite book or movie and enjoy some quiet time.
4. Practice gratitude by journaling about things you’re thankful for in your life.
5. Engage in a hobby or activity that brings you joy, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing music.
6. Practice mindfulness or meditation to center yourself and cultivate inner calm.
7. Cook yourself a delicious and nutritious meal, savoring each bite mindfully.
8. Create a cozy space at home with candles, blankets, and your favorite music or podcast.
9. Indulge in a creative outlet, such as writing poetry or doodling in a sketchbook.
10. Treat yourself to a pampering session, such as a DIY facial or manicure.
11. Schedule a digital detox day and unplug from screens to reconnect with yourself.
12. Practice positive affirmations to boost self-confidence and self-love.
13. Reach out to a supportive friend or loved one for a heart-to-heart conversation.
14. Engage in gentle movement exercises like yoga or stretching to release tension and promote relaxation.
15. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge without feeling guilty, honoring your body’s need for downtime.

By prioritizing acts of kindness towards yourself, you replenish your own emotional reserves and cultivate a deeper sense of self-love and compassion.

In the depths of your darkest nights, strive to unearth even the smallest glimmer of gratitude. Doing so acts as a beacon, dispersing the clouds of fear and ushering in a more harmonious frequency to permeate your life. From this space of gratitude, profound changes can take root and flourish abundantly.

Let’s ignite this movement together. Share your acts of kindness on social media, capturing the heartfelt “Thank Yous” as a testament to the power of generosity. While some argue for anonymous deeds, I believe it’s crucial to highlight and celebrate kindness openly, fostering a culture where gratitude and service to others are revered. By making kindness contagious and encouraging gratitude, we can combat the prevailing constructs of conflict and alienation, reaffirming our collective identity as KIND in Humankind.

My current outlook is evolving on my Instagram account: “bartelvision.” Join me in reshaping the world’s perspective on the potency of kindness. Together, let’s demonstrate how gratitude and simple acts of thankfulness have the power to enact profound change. If you’re ready to participate in the “Gratitude Game,” share your moments and Instagram handle. Let’s put this theory into action and transform the world with our collective energy. Until then, stay inspired.