We smile and shake hands. "Keep me posted!" I say. "I will for sure!" And we each go our way beneath the sunny sky, in the afternoon warmth.

Compassionate service is a simple and always accessible path to happiness. It doesn't require years of mediation, practice, or great study. It requires that you open your heart and feel our common humanness, our inextricable interconnectedness, and see the sacredness of each of us.

That's no small achievement, even if it happens just some of the time. Looking back that may be one of the most satisfying ways by which you measure your life. In that spirit, let's take every opportunity to support others in savoring this holiday.

You are driving in the city, in line at a red light. Three cars ahead, you spot the weathered man or woman working his way up the line of windows, hand out, maybe a sign explaining his plight. Is there a flash of wanting the light to change before he makes it up to you?

Science tells us compassion is good for our health, and we know that helping others makes us feel good, but sometimes it feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day. In minutes, at no or low cost, and from your desk, you can contribute.

Often we resist the idea of making a difference, because we're convinced it will take a tremendous amount of our time and energy. Or, that we may not have the information or answers others seek.