Saw a chain reaction of goodness start when I helped an elderly man at the grocery store. It reminded me how small acts of empathy create unseen ripples, just like Scott Swain describes in his book.
The story
I had a moment at the grocery store yesterday that’s still on my mind.
An elderly man was struggling with his cart, his hands trembling as he tried to navigate the crowded aisle. I stepped over to help.
What struck me wasn’t his gratitude, but what happened next. The woman behind us began helping someone reach cereal on a high shelf. That person later held the door for a mom with twins.
It reminded me of something from Scott Swain’s “A Practical EmPath” – how small acts of empathy create ripples we rarely see. He calls it “Street empathy” – recognizing another’s perspective without getting overwhelmed by their emotions.
The book highlights something I’ve felt but couldn’t name: humans are naturally wired for goodness and connection, not selfishness.
What I appreciate about Swain’s approach is how he makes these ideas practical through everyday examples – tools for transforming anger, reducing anxiety, and improving relationships.
In our often divided world, this book reminds us that goodness happens constantly in small, unseen moments. And by changing how we see and respond to others, we can amplify that natural harmony.
Has a small act of kindness ever sparked something unexpected in your day?
