Wake up and smell the kindness

You’ve heard the rhetoric that if you want to make the world a better place, you have to start with yourself. But how often do we really take it to heart?

You could start by going along to an elegant evening of first class entertainment and inspirational discussion aimed at promoting human kindness and the principle of ‘do unto others’; an event called Wake Up Sydney!

“We want Sydney to ‘wake up’ and create a kindness revolution; not a serious or angry revolution, but one that is entertaining, creative and beautiful, that inspires us,” says movement founder and longtime Sydneysider, Jono Fisher.

Fisher – a former corporate ladder-climber turned rose-smelling male nanny – single-handedly started this movement with a view to transforming Sydney into a “global kindness hub” – a model of compassion and humanity for the rest of the world.

“I’ve been so struck by how many people want to be involved in a different kind of activism, one that’s inspiring and uplifting,” Fisher says.

“Wake Up Sydney! is really about how I can change in my heart without blaming others or being negative.

“People I come across are not interested in angry protests, negative forecasts, dogmatic beliefs, demonising people or becoming burned out in ineffective campaigns; they want to be inspired with beauty, artistry and open-hearted discussion,” he said.

To support his vision for a kindness revolution across Sydney, Fisher’s enlisted the help of some sparkling Australian talent for an evening of relaxed yet inspirational celebration promoting the principles of kindness, creativity and vitality.

The event, to be held at Sydney’s Town Hall on Thursday 3 June, will feature the dazzling vocals of ARIA award-winner Katie Noonan, as well as Aboriginal dance troupe Descendance.

A mixed bag of distinguished speakers – Indigenous elder Uncle Max Harrison, Zen teacher and filmmaker Susan Murphy, and rainforest ecologist John Seed – will draw on their life’s experiences to inspire and enlighten guests about the importance of kindness and of connection to the earth.

Fisher says that while the movement has generated a strong community response over the past 12 months, this event is the biggest and boldest he has staged so far and he hopes it will be the first of many.

“It kind of feels like our coming out party,” Fisher says.

“We want to put on something that genuinely inspires people, not just a good show.”

One of the principal ways that Fisher has spread his kindness revolution has been through “kindness cards” – calling cards designed to be left behind anonymously after a random act of kindness.

Some 25,000 have been distributed already, giving some impression of how well the concept has been received.

“A girl recently got in touch with me to tell me that when she went to pay for her petrol at the service station, she paid for two other people behind her as well,” Fisher said.

“The guy behind the counter was stunned. He asked if she knew them. She replied by saying she just wanted to do something kind for someone,” he said.

To find out more about Wake Up Sydney! or to purchase tickets visit www.wakeupsydney.com.au.

By Tamara Smallhorn