Kindness is Always in Season
Kindness is the one thing that everyone can afford to give. It is a heartfelt and honest expression that is primarily motivated by a desire to help. One that can strengthen relationships, increase connection and provide a stronger sense of satisfaction in life. Dr David Hamilton (2019) states that…“kindness is the fabric of life.” He argues that, without kindness, “the fabric of society would unravel.”
Kindness Starts With Empathy
In the words of the author and researcher Brene Brown (2014)… “EMPATHY FUELS CONNECTION.” In my own opinion, empathy is at the core of kindness and it can prevent society from becoming hardened and selfish. It a simple concept that can have a significant impact. So, if you can be anything…BE KIND!
The Benefits of Kindness.
Luks (1992) coined the phrase “the helpers high” from the findings of his research into volunteer work. He noted that 95% of people reported that helping others made them feel good. In other words…they get a natural high from helping. Various other studies have highlighted that being kind makes us happier. Some other noted health benefits of kindness are that is boots your immune system, slows aging and improves relationships.
Is Kindness an Antidote to Depression?
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, kindness (moral treatment) was seen as a way of helping people with mental health problems. A reactive approach to the inhumane and brutal asylums of the time. A Quaker by the name of William Tuke created a retreat, in York, based on the principles of kindness, trust and order. A safe place for people with mental health issues to come and live and heal. One that adopted a ‘family’ approach to aid healing and build a stronger sense of self through, trust, autonomy and kindness. The retreat was so successful that the model quickly gained popularity and spread to the United States. However over 100 years later, with the advent of pharmaceutical treatments, this model of treatment significantly declined. But surprise surprise, in recent years, the ‘kindness approach’ has gained renewed interest with evidence clearly highlighting the health benefits of kindness.
Our everyday actions determine the kind of world that we live in. It not only changes all of us it changes the world.
In the words of the author Leo Buscaglia “too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the power to turn a life around.”
Even the tiniest act of kindness contains a ripple effect that is far-reaching. So, remember that kindness starts with you and there is lots of things that you can do.
