The Importance of being kind, especially when we don’t agree.
Being kind has been at the forefront of my mind lately.
Therefore, I knew it was time to write an article about the importance of being kind, especially when we don’t agree.
Research shows that being kind to others can make us genuinely happy in several different ways.
“We know that deciding to be generous or cooperating with others, activates an area of the brain called the striatum. Interestingly, this area responds to things we find rewarding.
The feel-good emotion from helping, has been termed “warm glow” and the activity we see in the striatum is the likely biological basis of that feeling.
Of course, you don’t have to scan brains to see that kindness has this kind of benefit. Research in psychology shows a link between kindness and well-being throughout life, starting at a very young age. In fact, even just reflecting on having been kind in the past may be enough to improve a person’s mood.”
As a result of being kind, here are things that may help to cultivate the wonderful feelings that come with a kind action:
Contagious Smiling
Being kind is likely to make someone smile and when you see that smile, it might be contagious. A theory is, seeing someone else show an emotion automatically activates the same areas of the brain as if we experienced that emotion for ourselves.
You may have been in a situation where you find yourself laughing just because someone else is – why not set off that chain of good feelings with a nice surprise for someone?
Righting A Wrong
Because you have said you are sorry and shown it, this generally helps generate a good feeling for each person involved.
Then you are more apt to begin to change some of your behaviors that may have triggered you being unkind to begin with.
Giving Back
For instance, when you give back to someone, an organization, or a religious affiliation, you have that warm feeling, don’t you?
Hence, when you give a compliment or a smile, you are being kind.
Since COVID-19, I have found myself thanking the essential workers I encounter. I can feel the mood shift of that person. It feels softer and I feel their gratitude for me noticing.
Kindness Comes Back Around
Consequently, when you’re kind, it is working in alignment with the Laws of the Universe I often speak about.
The Universal Law that comes to mind, is the Law of Compensation.
What goes around comes around. Do on to others as you would have them do unto you. It is the Law of Karma. Sowing and reaping.
Lastly, being kind is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness.
Above all, when you are kind, you are changing the vibration of yourself and an interaction with another.
As I spoke about last week, we are all energy and vibrations.
Everyone feels your energy as you walk into a room. Wouldn’t you rather have others feel a higher vibration from you? Love, appreciation, and joy?
One of my goals in life is to the help raise the vibration of this planet.
The best way for me and you to achieve this is to start with ourselves.
The more we are kind, to ourselves and others, the more we will be helping others around us. As I pray each day for my long list of people in need, I know it’s helping. It helps me to have more joy in my life.
One last important point, when a person is being unkind, they’re not in alignment with the higher vibrations of love and appreciation.
Something may be going on in their life that is negative. As the quote below says, “Be kind to those who are unkind, they need it the most.”
What kind things can you do each day for yourself and others?
Write back to me to let me know.
With love, kindness, and appreciation,
Connie
PS.I found a great short article to read about kindness. Maybe you will enjoy it to:
Thanks for your kind remarks Connie. I found it interesting that people who are unkind or angry may need kindness more than we would initially believe. It’s so true though. When I’m not feeling kind toward someone or something, it’s usually because I feel unappreciated. A kind remark or hug would definitely shift my mood. You are so perceptive to write about this during this time of unrest, indecision, political divisiveness, and fear of getting close to each other as Auntie Corona has instilled in us. It’s time to remember to be kind.
Thank you Suzanne for your kind words and taking the time to respond. This is definitely a time in our history that is changing many people and experiences. My hope is it will end up helping people see we are all children of God and we must find kindness for ourselves and others.
Love and blessings to you my friend!
Connie