Who doesn't like tangible gifts? I think we all like something we can see, touch, smell, hear and even like. Of course, what we will do with them is another story, it depends on our tastes, needs, beliefs, etc. But are intangible gifts just as appreciated? Perhaps it is even difficult to hardly notice, and if they are not seen, the kindness given is not appreciated, there will be no connection between people, it will go unnoticed. That's why I liked the theme proposed for this week, and comment on things that we do not perceive materially but evidence our attempts to connect with people by showing them kindness, without that implying something material. What are some of the ones I do?

SPECIFIC COMMENDATION.

I believe we all have an innate need for approval from specific people, even if they change at every stage of our lives. So when we receive it from the right people it's usually a balm. So I still make a point of complimenting when I see something good. Surely, it is a kindness that we are in the capacity to display. Who can say they can't congratulate another? I have seen that even the dumb write a note or congratulate in their language. It is true, sometimes it is not easy because it is hard for us to see something positive in something. However, I have seen positive results by executing this suggestion: be specific about what you are going to compliment. It is not necessary to congratulate him for everything he did when even we know there were some shortcomings, but by congratulating him for something specific we avoid being hypocritical or, worse, lying.

In this photo I am accompanied by a friend. We took it eight years ago. With him I was able to see the benefits of applying what was mentioned in the previous paragraph. During certain times of the year we would get together for a specific activity. I still remember the happiness this generated for both of us and our families. It involved discussing what was happening each day. It was very helpful to see that we both tried to look for the good and highlight it. Even when it was difficult for either of us to see it, the other could usually bring out the positive. That encouraged us to stay with that so we could compliment the person. I remember my friend because he is one of the people who learned to verbally express his feelings towards others. So it was easy for him to tell his family and friends that he loved them, that he missed them...so congratulating us was something that seemed natural for him. How could you not connect with someone like that? His company was one of the factors that helped me employ the specific commendation.

HUGS

So far, no one has ever charged me for a hug (and if they should be paid for, I think few would pay for me to give them one). But I have found that for some time now it is a way that I have almost naturally developed to hug others, both those I have known for a long time and those I have just met. With them I believe we can show affection and try to connect with people without anything material involved. Thinking as I write these lines, today it was my turn to welcome someone, and I hugged him. A colleague told me he was moving to a city more than 600 kilometers away, and I hugged him. Another apologized for not bringing me something he had promised, and I hugged him. I think they are kindnesses that, while they look exactly the same (some arms around another), have different messages, like, "I'm glad to see you," "I wish you well," "Don't worry." They help to connect.

DELIVERY ON MY BIKE

When I'm not on foot, my bicycle is my main mode of transportation. On several occasions I have seen that those of us who have them can have an advantage. For example, when there is a shortage of fuel for cars and trucks, those of us with bicycles can get around better. Also for carrying messages or fetching simple things. For me, it has been clear that I can serve others kindly by using my bicycle for whatever they need.

I remember during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement there was a grandmother who had to stay at home. It was not safe for her to go to the market or receive other people at home. Because her three children lived in other cities, they asked me to do their mother's shopping. For several months I rode my bicycle more than 6 kilometers once or twice a week to do her shopping. Some were simple, others more complete. In the photo I show one of the simple ones. Wow, I had to look far back in my gallery to see if I still had one of these pictures that I sent to her relatives so they could see what I did with the money they sent. I was very happy about this. I didn't give the money, I just spent it, bought things and brought them to her house. But it was something she was very grateful for. Sometimes she insisted on giving me what I had bought, but I didn't accept. My wife and I were already her friends, but these actions during that critical period of humanity made the mutual affection between the three of us grow even more.

I think there may be other ways to mention on this subject, and perhaps you, dear reader, have done better than the ones described here. But I think it is very important to keep them always clearly in mind, in view of the fact that they will not necessarily involve anything material. It would be a pity if we were to waste the friendship and affection they give us in person in an era where virtual spaces are blurring some differences. I am grateful to those who also teach us this kind of values even though my physical eyes have not yet seen it. See you next time!