April has certainly been a strange month. We had no sooner spotted crocuses and daffodils when storms hit most of the country. We spent more time in our winter coats with the occasional sunny to throw us off. It’s also a year when the Passover and Easter holidays overlap, so, yes, I grabbed some macaroons before the bakery closed down and will make my annual trip to pick up pizza rustica and Easter egg bread.

This is a busy month. By the time you read this, you will have suffered through the joy of tax prep. It’s time, perhaps, for a few minutes of calm.

It’s also a time for kindness. As I look at the profusion of daffodils throughout New York City, I’m reminded that they are the result of an act of kindness that spread. In 2002, in reaction to 9/11 Dutch bulb supplier Hans van Waardenburg and the City of Rotterdam sent NYC a million daffodils. The Daffodil Project has grown with over nine million daffodils now being distributed by volunteers, honoring both victims of 9/11 and of Covid.

I’m noticing more civility and many small acts of kindness in the past weeks. More people hare holding doors, smiling and often even saying hello. Two strangers helped me get my over-loaded cart on and off the bus and a third gave me his seat. If this continues to be contagious, perhaps we can shift the negativity that has crept into everyday life.

Finally, a short meditation from Tich Nhat Hahn to create calm when life seems choppy.

Repeat three times:

May my heart flower

May I know the joy of my own true nature

May I be healed into this moment

May I be a peace