HumanKINDNESS

Today’s Word is Kindness

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestation of strength and resolution” - Kahlil Gibran

Interesting that one of the words that is used to describe the human race is humankind. In my experience people are mostly generous of spirit, friendly and share a commitment to leave a positive imprint on the world around them. The word kind is defined as, “having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence.” Kindness has the ability to heal, transform and profoundly impact your life and the lives of your community and essentially the world.

I was in a Starbucks the other day and an elderly gentleman and his wife walked in, beaming with joy and happiness. They smiled at everyone, were polite to the baristas and lifted the overall mood and atmosphere instantly. This lovely couple took it a step further and proceeded to buy everyone in the shop a coffee. I enjoyed my mocha but what I enjoyed more was their infectious spirit and bigheartedness. The energy of the space changed and remained upbeat long after they had left. Maybe you have seen the television commercials where a man offers his seat to a pregnant woman or another where a woman is offering to give up her parking spot? In these ads the actors are yelling, but it is what they are yelling that is interesting. They are shouting, kind, polite words at each other, receiving a lot of attention from bystanders. The point of the commercial is to show that kindness, when demonstrated, stands out. What these ads speak to is the need to re-evaluate the consideration we extend to each other. What does it say when kindness appears odd and out of place?

When you extend a kindness, small or large, you experience something known as a helper’s high; a release of endorphins that reduces blood pressure, calms the nervous system, boosts immunity and eases pain. This in turn creates a feeling of bliss and enhances confidence and self-esteem. At the same time, the person you are affecting, as well as anyone witnessing this, love in action, is also receiving these same benefits. It seems as though we are meant to be kind. Important to note here, that graciousness done with expectation of a specific result can have the opposite effect. Imagine for instance, you let somebody into your lane in traffic and you assume they will wave or acknowledge your altruism. If they do not, your generosity turns to frustration and disappointment. Instead of a rush of endorphins, stress hormones are released.

The very health and well-being of the planet and the human race depends on the ability of people to remember the commonality of the human experience; the need to be seen, valued, loved and respected. Sound a little far-fetched? Well, quantum physics is indicating it is not far-fetched at all. Connected by a matrix of energy, science is showing that what you do and think about in one part of the world does impact people in another part of the world. Take the multitude of experiments demonstrating the power of this bond. When a group of people meditate or pray for peace, directing their attention to a city or area of their country, or even to different country, in the midst of war or known for high crime rates, the results are significant. The amount of violence, injury and death dramatically decreases during the exact time of this focused intention. What would happen if, as a human race we shifted the way we thought and subsequently acted towards each other? As Mahatma Gandhi said, “be the change you want to see in the world.”

Kindness is an action. It is demonstrated through thoughts, words and deeds and it is your way of showing your heart. It was Martin Luther King who said, “my religion is kindness” It is seen as thoughtfulness, consideration, compassion and helpfulness. Extending yourself despite differences is a courageous, self-loving act and an exhibition of your connection to your fellow human being. In a song by Jewel, one of the lines is “in the end, only kindness matters.” The ripple effect is magical and the power to transform and bring about profound social change cannot be underestimated.

Kindness is about being human. Kindness is about HumanKind.

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving gives love.” - Lao Tzu

So in the spirit of kindness, I will issues a challenge that each of us finds a way to extend ourselves today, to demonstrate our HumanKINDNESS. It could be opening the door for someone, really listening when you ask a co-worker about their day, smiling and giving up a parking spot or any way that allows you to affirm your respect and love for the yourself and the human race.

Today Ask Yourself:

1. How did sharing a kindness make you feel? The other person feel?


2. What did you notice when others are considerate or kind to you?


3. How could you incorporate daily acts of kindness towards yourself and others into your day?

Is it difficult to be kind to yourself and others? If it is, it may be a sign that your personal growth, judgments or dissatisfaction in life are keeping you contained, closing you in, and cutting you off from a basic human need – to give and receive good will. Your ability to be kind to yourself is first and foremost and is essential for you to take risks, to learn and to grow. Please contact me and we can reveal your HumanKindness.