Love Activism.

• Author: Russo, Stacy
• Position: LITERARY SCENE - Essay

SERVICE OCCURS when we perform acts of kindness for our loved ones, communities, strangers, and the environment. Even what seems to be the simplest act of service can light someone's heart, which also will light our own. One way to think of the profound impact of service is to consider how you felt when someone did something for you without expecting anything in return.

I used to live in a large apartment complex where my good friend also resided. Once, she knew I was very ill with a stomach ailment, so she went to the store and bought food and drink items she thought I may be able to have. Knowing I was in bad shape and likely sleeping, she sent me a text to let me know these things were at my door instead of calling or knocking. What she left me were not things I normally would purchase, but she was right. Little by little, I ate what she brought and I felt better.

These items would have been good medicine on their own, but the element of service that her gift was wrapped in turned them into magical medicine. It is that warm feeling you get in your heart. I can remember other instances of something like this throughout my life when the food that was prepared for me or brought to me seemed like medicine. This experience is the miraculous nature of service as an act of love.

When we think of our work, if we are self-employed or fortunate to be employed by individuals or an organization that respects us and is not exploitative, we can imagine it as an opportunity to practice the element of service.

Within a positive work setting, regardless of the exact position we hold, there are opportunities to serve others by being peaceful and reducing workplace drama; refraining from gossip; determining how we can help and support those we work with; and being kind and helpful to the public. If we do not interact directly with the public, but we produce tangible, practical objects or art as part of our work, this also can be viewed as a service offering.

We can step away from routines and ask ourselves questions: How will what I am creating be used by others? How will what I am producing help the person who buys it? What will it mean for someone to have my art in their home?

We all likely have encountered someone who performs "love activism" through their work. This is the type of individual who is not just going through the motions, but someone who understands the profound calling he or she has received to serve. One experience I never will forget...