My title may be a little deceptive. I am in a way writing about blind joy, but also referring to helping the blind. Let me explain...
While riding my bike to work I cycle through the city of Canberra. It is a wonderful morning routine that generally leaves me feeling pretty good in both my body and mind. I leave my husbands work where we park our car and cycle through the university. I generally pass groups of girls gossiping over late night escapades, young couples walking hand in hand; and the mature age students follow their life long dream.
My cycling also takes me on an aromatic journey. My nose identifies as I pass flowering side walks, coffee houses, garbage bins, and freshly baked goodies. But most of all, my cycling takes me through a lot of traffic lights. On a good run I can almost make it clear across town without stopping, but today I stopped. Not because of a traffic light, but to help a young blind girl cross the street.
Now most people would think that helping the blind girl was the act of kindness, and it was a kind act, but I think that the bigger act of kindness was to myself. When I stopped and helped, it left me with an enhanced feeling of happiness. I even enjoyed it when a bus driver slowed his bus and yelled out to me "Thaaaaaank yoooooou!!!!" as his bus rattled past. Clearly it made him happy too :)
It was such a quick and simple act yet it left me with blind joy that lasted well into the day. I guess it is like my husband said to me later ...
being altruistic is ultimately hedonistic.
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