Expand Your Circle

As humans, it’s easier for us to have empathy for those in our “in group,” people we consider part of our circle. Given that fact, if we want to bring more empathy and compassion into the world, expanding our circle is a logical step to take. This week, we’d like to offer you a way to do just that: by throwing a virtual dart at a map!

There is a wonderfully weird website out there called random.org. They’ve programmed a variety of algorithms that can generate things like truly random numbers, passwords, and dice rolls. The site can also generate random geographic coordinates. The web page is simple; below the world map, click “Pick Random Coordinates” and a little location pin will show up somewhere on the map. As our planet is covered with water, you may need to click a few times before you get a location that isn’t in the ocean. Once you see the pin land on land, click “Show with Google Maps Satellite View.” You’ll be able to see where exactly those coordinates are, and you can explore by zooming in and out, and looking for things like schools, churches, and businesses in the area.

You can explore further by doing an internet search of the location and finding out more about the area, its history, and the people who live there. What are their blessings? Their challenges? Make them real to you – and then make them a part of your circle. Add them to your prayers, whether they are prayers of supplication or of celebration. And the next day, generate another set of coordinates and start all over again! As your circle expands, your heart will too.

Where did your virtual dart land? We’d love to learn about the places you’ve discovered! Share with us in person or on Facebook or Instagram.