“How is your mom feeling?”

I answer: “She is like a child, she lives in the moment. I do everything possible so each day of her life she is happy.”

My reply sets off a cascade of images and emotions in me. I see my mother in my mind’s eye walking in her favourite park in San Francisco on a sunny day among the sweet scent of flowers and the cool rush of fountains. Her caregiver is by her side, their arms linked in affection and support.

My answer spreads outward in my thoughts like waves from a pebble thrown in a pond.

I reached a revelation, part question, part truth: “Why don’t we make our loved ones happy every single day? Why do we wait till they are sick and weak and then bake their favourite pie, or write a thoughtful card? Is it too idealistic to think we can give a little something every day?”

Maybe we just need to focus our attention on someone else, rather than the stresses or worries we feel about ourselves. Can’t we just put down our phones, look each other in the eyes, and ask what are the things they love? Then listen to their desires and dreams and help make them happen?

My husband, Bill, is suffering terribly from a pinched nerve in his neck. My massages every night seemed to give him some of the pain relief he needs but I know there is more to it than that. He feels my love and care through my palms and fingers. He knows I am focused on him and my love and compassion flow to him through my caring touch.

Last night he sighed and murmured softly: “I feel I am not alone with my pain.”

I wiped away my tears and told him I loved him; I was thinking the last time I gave him a massage was when we were dating so long ago.

Our world is a place where the more you give, the more you receive. All should be in balance: night-day, light-dark, fire-water, cold-hot, winter-summer…

I feel in this changing, turbulent world, the natural balance is way off. I can’t do much to correct that but I am trying to do my best to restore human balance with my actions of kindness and love. It is my way of living now.

Bill said he often remembers a bumper sticker from the 1970s: “Commit random acts of kindness!”

I laughed, but then thought: “What better aspiration than to make that a habit?” We try to eat well, sleep well, exercise well… why not add kindness to our list?

The more evil events happen, the more kindness I want to give. Just small things: a hug, a free class to someone who needs it, or words of support and care to my friends in Ukraine. Perhaps, help a stranger find their way, create a beautiful photo of Bermuda to share with my photography club, or send a postcard to my daughter… little things each day.

When I led my weekly laughing club, Time to Laugh, last Saturday, one girl enthusiastically proclaimed at the end: “We want to spread these positive vibes to the whole of Bermuda!”

We all applauded and I added: “And to the whole world!”

What can we do to spread those positive vibes? Here is a little practice you can start to do right now:

Close your eyes, smile, breathe deeply and think these words as you inhale and exhale:

Breathe in happiness

Breathe out sadness

Breathe in peace

Breathe out worries

Breathe in gratitude

Breathe out heartbreak

Breathe in compassion

Breathe out kindness

Just breathe.

• Nina London is the founder of Mermaid Wellness Centre for Women and a certified Chi Gong and Laughter Yoga teacher. Her mission is to support and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their bodies and mind. Contact her at www.ninalondon.com and on Instagram: @coachninalondon