I had attended a wonderful daylong workshop, which had just ended. Initially I hesitated about whether or not to go due to various reasons, but felt intuitively I was supposed to be there. In the end, it turned out to be an enjoyable day and I felt content with my decision.

Before leaving I walked over to a table that had been set up with various pamphlets and items for sale, including books, tapes, and jewelry. As I perused the selection of merchandise, a silver necklace medallion with an interesting design caught my eye. I picked it up, studying and admiring the detail. Seemingly out of nowhere a voice beside me spoke. "That design symbolizes the Tree of Life." I hadn’t noticed anyone next to me, as I was absorbed in the beautiful intricacy of the object. I looked up to see a man who was smiling and who further offered a little more knowledge with regard to the significance of this symbol.

"Wow this is incredible," I thought to myself. I then spoke this out loud and added that I was just beginning to work on a project on this very subject of which he was speaking. I explained to him that I was to share a presentation on this scheduled several months from that day. This previously unknown person to me, smiled and said, “I have many books in my personal library related to this subject. I have been reorganizing many of them and have just recently set aside several in this category feeling that they were to be given away and shared with someone. I wasn’t sure who until now.” This man pulled out a card from his wallet, handing it to me. “Please email me with your address so that I can mail these books to you.”

I could hardly believe what was happening. Thoughts of, ‘Could this be real?’ ran through my mind. ‘He doesn’t even know me and is offering to send me his books.

What kind and thoughtful generosity. How so very incredibly special this is!’ my mind and heart spoke.

“Thank you so much,” I responded.

“You’re very welcome. Please do email me your address. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. And I’ll send them to you right away.”

“Okay, I will. Thank you ... this is great,” I stammered still in awe of what was happening.

“I have to go now, my friend is waiting and we have a long drive back home. Don’t forget to contact me,” he gently spoke while shaking my hand.

“I will, it was so great meeting you.” I offered.

“Wonderful meeting you. Take care and talk to you soon,” he spoke then walked toward the door where his friend was patiently waiting. She and I smiled at one another, he turned and smiled again and they departed the room.

Glancing down at his business card I noticed he lived on the other side of the border near New York City. ‘That is a long drive,’ I thought to myself. ‘What an interesting name for a business, ‘Soul Graffiti.’ I wonder what that is…’

The feeling I had at this moment from this brief encounter was so beautiful. This act of kindness and generosity given to me by a ‘stranger’ was indescribable. My heart felt so big, like it might burst and tears formed in my eyes and spilled over.

“Now I know why I was supposed to attend this workshop today,’ I heard spoken within me. I felt these words ring true for me in a most remarkable way. What a gift that was given to me within those brief moments of time. This act of kindness awakened something within me that was very beautiful that I can really only feel and not describe adequately through words.

Upon returning home and to my busy family and work life, a couple of weeks went by before I emailed my mailing address him.

His reply was immediate;

Hi Debra,

‘It is so nice to hear from you. I've been waiting for your email. I do have many books for you and I want to give them to you where I'm sure they will be well read. I'll send them out right away. I hope to keep in touch and look forward to hearing from you again soon.’

Warm Regards,
Joe

True to his word, only a few days later arrived a large box full of books. I was very excited opening and looking through them. I must admit I do enjoy reading books so this was a very special gift to receive. Although it became increasing clear that this wonderful feeling I was experiencing was more than the actual physical books that was giving me this sense of warmth in my heart. It was the kind act of generosity shared with me by a person who shortly before was unknown to me in my life. Again tears of happiness sprang from my eyes initiated by a full feeling activated somewhere deep within my heart.

This incredible person has continued to share and send to me various kind tokens of thoughtfulness. One day I unexpectedly received beautiful art postcards which he sent to me while he was on a trip overseas and which I also included within my presentation. The very act and gesture of offering kindness stems from the act of thinking of another in order to share and assist in some way.

This unconditional connection with another human being must be what is called ‘soul graffiti’ because I can feel it all over again at this very moment by sharing my experience and giving it life by writing about it. I now walk and carry with me every day the effect of this act, a permanent mark of kindness indelibly imprinted that radiates through my heart.