We all have an inner knowing of what ‘the right thing’ is. I don’t mean what’s acceptable in our cultures: I mean those actions that reflect our fundamental values of justice, compassion, fairness etc.

What often affects us and prevents us from doing the right thing is usually either fear or ego. We fear that our action will be unacceptable to those around us, or that we will look stupid: calling out a racist remark at a party; helping someone who has talked themselves into a corner to get out of it; squatting down to talk to a child whom everyone is ignoring.

And when we’re doing the right thing, our ego would like it to be acknowledged, rewarded, so we are ostentatious in giving money to a homeless person or we tell others how much we have done for a particular charity.

But doing the right thing doesn’t have the same effect for us if we switch it on or off depending on the circumstances. We benefit from it, probably more than others affected by our action, because it feels good, it sits well with us, it enhances our experience of life.

It doesn’t matter if no-one else knows, or if it bothers other people. It is how we show ourselves out true nature, not a way to enhance our reputation with others.

So whenever you get that inner knowing, follow it. it’s your true nature shining through.