PORT RITCHIE, FL – A year ago The Herald reported on the Hello from My Heart movement started by Gary Schineller, an ordained minister in the Universal Brotherhood Movement, a Reiki Master and founder of the Council of Metaphysical Ministries. Originally organized as a simple county-wide “Hello Day” in Pasco County in 2000 by Schineller and other ministers who were looking for ways to improve the friendliness quotient of their community, the movement has blossomed.
The idea is a simple one: for one day a year answer the phone, and greet people in person, not the usual way, but with a smile and a warm, “hello from my heart” and see what a difference it makes. “Try it,” urges Schineller. “See for yourself.”
By 2003, the movement had spread to over three dozen counties around the U.S. and 22 countries, and the local Winn Dixie food stores and the Tampa Tribune were onboard. By 2004 Schineller was compiling crime statistic comparisons from the sheriff’s departments in the participating counties to see if the simple greeting made a difference in the crime rate for one day. Although not a scientific study, Schineller says he saw a noticeable decline.
Since 2004 Hello From My Heart Day has been held on September 11th as a way to counterbalance the national grief surrounding the Trade Towers’ destruction and other terrorist acts that day. This year the day has expanded into an eleven day celebration of peace and goodwill, running from September 11 through the 21st, the United Nations International Day of Peace.
“We can create a happier, healthier, and more peaceful planet,” says Schineller. “Will you be a hero and participate? Will you say, ‘Hello from my heart?’ It’s really that simple. But it takes commitment. ”
For more information about Hello From my Heart, www.hellofrommyheart.com
