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To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

—RALPH WALDO EMERSON

The Dharma consistently instructs us that it isn’t enough to avoid negative behavior; we must also encourage positive action. I find this philosophy very appealing, perhaps because of my Jewish heritage that places so much emphasis on ethical behavior, social service, and caring for others. My grandfather used to tell me, “A mensch [real person] does a mitzvah [good deed] every day.” Sometimes we want to help others, but we are so overwhelmed by all that needs to be done in this world that we don’t know where to start. We hope that tomorrow or next week, when everything calms down, we will be able to become the actively compassionate human beings we know we can be. We put off “goodness” like we put off going on a diet. We don’t know what to do first, and we lack appropriate frameworks for our good intentions.

For example, as much as you may love children, you may have limited time and resources; you may care deeply about people who are ill, but you lack medical skills. So what can you do? At one time, entering a religious order was a realistic option for people who wanted to devote themselves to good works. But today, if you want to act on your compassionate intentions, you will probably have to do it within the context of the life you are now living. I think it helps if each of us stops for just a moment to consider the many ways we can practice Right Action daily by being decent, caring people.

When you are trying to reach out a helping hand, it’s important to stay flexible and imaginative. It also helps if you focus on actions that are specific and doable. And remember: It’s okay to have fun. After all, giving is an act of joy. Here are what some people I know have done recently:

Barbara, my talented literary agent, is known for her sense of adventure, athleticism, and also her ability to raise money. This year, she signed up for a three-day, 400-mile bike ride to raise money for AIDS, and committed herself to raising ten thousand dollars in pledges for her ride. To do this, she gave up many of her usual summer activities as she focused on training for the long, arduous bike ride from Boston to New York City.

Dorothy loves children and reading; she volunteered to help her local literacy group. Last year she was assigned a shy twelve-year-old girl from central Europe who couldn’t read or write in English. By the end of the year, her student had not only progressed academically, she had also gained self-assurance and skills that will last her a lifetime.

David loves animals. When he sees stray dogs or cats, he wants to take them all home with him. But his apartment building does not allow animals. David volunteers at the local humane society, where he takes dogs waiting to be adopted out in the park for exercise.

Once a week, writer Kate Wheeler takes her beautiful white dog Chandi to an Alzheimer clinic, eliciting warm smiles, pats, and even hugs from elderly patients who usually shy away from human contact and interaction.

Diana, who loves the great outdoors, volunteers with a group that takes inner-city children on weekend excursions to camp and hike outside the big city.

Here are some other good deed ideas: Call your local blood bank to give much-needed blood or platelets; become a volunteer for an organization that delivers food and other services to shut-ins; visit retirement homes or places that care for sick children without families; try to find homes for stray animals; sign up for an organization that provides emotional support or teaches reading skills to needy children. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Many cities, for example, have people who will recondition old