February 2020 - There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things - John O'Donahue
- i4cc
- Feb 2, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2022
Greetings dear Community
February 2020 has arrived! Traditionally, February is associated with Love (with the western world celebrating St Valentine’s Day on the 14th). There is, however, a newer association for the month – that of Kindness. Sometimes it’s the smallest act that makes the biggest impact, something as simple as saying please or thank you can turn a day around, and make a life seem that much better. Random Acts of Kindness encourages you to get out there and be the light you want to see in the world.
Research has shown that the very act of doing something for someone else gives us a chemical high, a higher one, in fact, than if something had been done for us.
In the words of John O’Donahue –
“There is a kindness that dwells deep down in things;
it presides everywhere, often in the places we least expect.
The world can be harsh and negative, but if we remain generous and patient, kindness inevitably reveals itself.
Something deep in the human soul seems to depend on the presence of kindness;
something instinctive in us expects it, and once we sense it we are able to trust and open ourselves” (From Benedictus: A Book of Blessings)
Whilst Random Acts of Kindness Day is acknowledged around the world on 17 February, we are encouraging you to find ways of expressing kindness every day. Random Acts of Kindness come in all forms, large and small, and how you choose to perform yours is entirely up to you.
Share your Random Acts of Kindness stories, experiences and photos with us on FB, Instagram. Tag #i4cc
Creating space for ongoing connection with local communities, the world around us, institutions of learning and faith communities in order to bring relevant and meaningful context to the work we do
Join us for our Friday Gatherings
Our first gathering for 2020 happens on Friday 28 February from 9h00 to 11h00 at Emseni Community Centre on the East Rand. If you’ve signed up to receive the articles, an e-mail will be on its way to you this week!
We are bringing Secret Sunrise to the East Rand!
We are making the most of the extra day in February!! Join us for a fun hour of dance and movement in the Benoni/Kempton Park area!! No dance experience nor rhythm needed! It only takes an hour out of your day.
Secret Sunrise is a global silent guided dance community. They’re on a mission to celebrate life through music, movement and connection. The unique concept was born under African skies and has spread throughout South Africa and over 16 cities across the world. Please contact Nicky for more information or get your tickets via our REGISTER page on https://www.i4cc.co.za/book-online/secret-sunrise or through Quicket on https://www.quicket.co.za/events/97454-dance-movement/#/
Introduction to Narrative Pastoral Practices
Our popular 10-week course starts on the East Rand on Saturday 28 March at The Well at Northfield Methodist Church.
Please join our Info morning on 7 March at 09h00 to find out more or contact Nicky on nicky@i4cc.co.za or
Sharlene on 0101 400 217 / sharlene@nfmc.org.za
Feedback from previous participants:
“I loved the creativity …. It helped me understand the ideas so clearly”
“I went on a journey of wonderment and I go away feeling more confident in who I am and the work I do in ministry”
“I have been touched by the thought, care, effort and attention that has been given to the construction of this course”
Join us in February:
For a Saturday morning Day of Reflection facilitated by Spiritual Director, Prayer Guide and Retreat Leader, Anne Hart. Book on https://www.i4cc.co.za/book-online/day-of-reflection
In March we bring you:
Weekend encounter with God
Anne Hart & Nicole Dickson will be leading this individually guided retreat at Emseni Conference and Retreat Centre from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March (Single and sharing rooms are available). Space is limited to 12 participants. Contact nicky@i4cc.co.za for more information
January saw the Team offer Sacred Conversations over two days at Eastview Methodist Church in Pretoria. The course was attended by folk from 10 different congregations representing 6 different denominations! Karen Krige, our Western Cape Facilitator offered training this weekend in Edgemead for Assemblies of God too! She also tells us that Stellenbosch Gemeente – the very first congregation to offer Sacred Conversations beyond Northfield, since 2014 - are making Sacred Conversations part of their Congregation’s DNA! Exciting things are happening…
Please contact Nicky on nicky@i4cc.co.za for any enquiries!
Holding you in kindness
The i4cc Team
