“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” –Kurt Vonnegut
Synchronicity experiences are meaningful in life. When they occur, keep following your path because something significant is unfolding or about to happen. My choice of “My Grandfather’s Blessings” as a Kind Living text followed this belief. Despite initially planning to use a different book, I heard an inspiring audio interview with Rachel, which convinced me to select this book for a kindness class, even without ever have seen the book.
A related example came when I discovered that Rachel devoted an entire chapter to Kurt Vonnegut’s concept of a “karass.” I’m a huge fan of Vonnegut’s writing and had recently read “Cat’s Cradle,” the book in which Vonnegut first outlined the concept. A karass is a group of people working together for a higher purpose. Vonnegut suggests that people may not be aware of their roles, but it’s crucial to trust this process. We don’t always need to understand the purpose, but we must engage positively and mindfully in our actions.
Vonnegut also explains the concept of a false karass, which he calls a “granfalloon.” A granfalloon is a group of people who believe they share a connection, but in reality, they don’t. Misery often results from defending such false connections, extending even to conflicts rooted in the belief that one way of living, or one’s preferred football team, is superior to another.
Reflect on what brought you to this class, particularly if the above resonates with you. We might be part of the same “karass,” what Rachel calls a “family of service.” If you think so, please reach out.
NEXT STEP: Assignment #8
Kind Living 