by Sam Brean

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

"I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light."

Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned those gentle words a few lines following "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." When we remember all of us have quiet needs, it becomes heartwarming to create ways to satisfy those of others. Spring weather renews our spirit and energy, and provides an opportunity to synergize kindness with personal well-being.

Here are some budding ideas for springing into action:

Convince a relative, friend or neighbor you haven't seen lately to walk with you down a sunny lane, and talk as you become reintroduced to fresh air, a warm breeze, exercise and a person about whom you care.

Locate your local food shelf and volunteer a few hours of time and a bagful of goodies. More of us have neighbors without jobs than ever before in our lifetimes, and our turn may be around the corner. Volunteering will fill your heart, groceries a stomach or two or three.

Contact a place of worship, seeking those in need of spring cleaning help. Cleaning cars, homes, garages and yards becomes enjoyable exercise when the beneficiary is someone other than you. On a clear day, through streak- less windows, folks you have helped will see forever, our world in a better light.

Call a child, a mom or dad, a grandma or grandpa: young ones, older ones, those who are close and ones far away in minds or miles and talk about exhilarating spring weather; odds favor the surfacing of more thoughtful subjects; perhaps the hint of a small need or deed you can fulfill.

Plant a vegetable garden for a needy or disabled person. Your aching muscles will recover long before the inexpensive nutrition supply you have provided depletes. Of course, you'll have to stop by the garden from time to time to weed, water and pick, and offer a few moments of companionship.

Adopt a worthy cause supported by an organization which utilizes an activity that interests you to raise money: search for walkathons, distance runs, golf tournaments and fishing contests, or whatever else suits your fancy. Participate, contribute and share a day with others who share your empathy and a common interest, while helping someone who likely can't be with you.

Countless are ways we can help others; one is the number mattering most in the axis of kindness. One act of goodwill multiplies by millions when everyone lends a hand. "I love thee with the passion put to use" Elizabeth wrote. Love thy neighbor and thy stranger, and we all become stronger in body, mind and spirit.

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