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"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ"
Everything we treasure on earth can be lost, but the joy of giving can never be stolen
Thoughtfulness is our antidote today.
Shifting perspective
While we face devastation across the globe, going forward we need to notice the opportunity it has presented to us. An opportunity to reflect, appreciate and care. Preventing the spread of the virus and how we get through it can only be done by we all coming together and love actively and do our part. itis, not a time to wait for someone to fix it. We need to open our eye and our hearts and check our moral compass. Where are we heading? it is natural for people to feel anxious, frustrated, and need to blame someone or something when things go wrong. We need to use our energy and time in doing all we can do to help, that may mean changing our lifestyle for a while. Each one of us has to make some compromise. People may be forced to live with basics, distance ourselves from love ones temporarily, in order to save lives. It is crucial that we do our part right now so can be a part of the solution, not a part of death tall.
At times such as this where we are forced to put our brakes on we realise not everything is in our control. while most things in life to be put on hold in order to protect what matters the most, nothing matters more than people. The whole world is faced with the same crisis, we all feel the same emotions we all love life but each one of us responds to crisis in different ways. This is where it requires understanding and empathy to maintain peace and harmony during a devastating time. Our experience in life forms our way of thinking. It is time to think consciously/intentionally and collectively. The power of unity and kindness will get us through this.
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Scientific evidence of thoughtfulness
Research has shown our emotions play a crucial role in regulating immune systems, and that negative emotions and stress can adversely affect the immune system. However, positive emotions derived from social interaction have been proven to change our neural pathways improving mental and physical health. Act of kindness can also release Endorphins body's natural pain killer. Evidence also shows during thoughtfulness brain produce neurotransmitters that give us a sense of joy and well-being. How appropriate and necessary is this phenomenon to the world right now. Being thoughtful and kindness seems to be the way to go. The amazing thing about kindness is benefits are twofold.
What is kindness looks like?
Some might say it is basic human decency. It is an interpersonal skill which takes some courage and strength as well as thoughtfulness. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It doesn't have to be on a large scale, it is simply being generous and thoughtful without any reason. We do it because we care. It all starts with shifting our way of thinking. For some, this may come naturally
Others who may not have the experience of kindness in their lives may think differently. One of the biggest reason some people don't care about is that they don't realise that they have a true capacity as they have not experienced kindness themselves. may even see it as an effort without anything to gain. I believe we all have the ability and desire to care. However, it can get activated or deactivated by external factors. Circumstances and experiences can prevent people from caring.
The advantages of kindness
The advantages of thoughtfulness and kindness are multifaceted and it might take some effort. It is important we realise being kind is more beneficial to the person who practices kindness than the receiver in the long run. I believed this is a law of Christ that we should look after each other. However, I recently learned that a large body of scientific research has revealed the psychological and neurological benefits of small acts of kindness. Some would say there are something magical about acts of kindness. It is one of the healthiest and most fulfilling habits to form. Research has shown that being thoughtful and kind can improve a person’s mood and people are kinder when they are in a good mood. This makes it a wonderful two-way relationship which just keeps giving. The joy that comes from kindness cannot be stolen. It penetrates once saule lifts up the spirit. Evidence shows during thoughtfulness brain produce neurotransmitters that give us a sense of joy and well-being. It can also release Endorphins body's natural pain killer. With all this evidence it goes to show kindness is something we are bone for and certainly must do. Opportunities are all around us.
Seek the opportunities
We are encountering a time of vast disruptions in every area in the lives of people. With every aspect of life being impacted the emotional turmoil will be immense. As we all facing the same crisis, some may feel I have nothing to give.
You have something precious you can share, kindness is in everyone's heart. We are created to love and to be loved. It is possible life experience may have stopped you from caring or you don't know what it is like to be cared for. Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful smile, a word. kind word or moment of your time. A kind heart of one can bring healing to an emotionally strained heart of another. Don’t forget the advantages you have as you practice kindness.
Be observant of the opportunities to be kind, notice when someone needs a hand. Check your capacity and be the first to reach out. Your action wouldn't stop there. kindness can become contagious. A sense of community is created when people are kind to those who need a helping hand. Become a part of a kindness epidemic. The best you can do for your mental and physical health and others is to think kind, be kind. When we come together in our hearts distance cannot separate us.
Everything we treasure on earth can be lost, but the joy of giving can never be stolen
The inherent power of kindness
Kindness begins with an understanding and it never ends
but, how we show kindness when others are not and why?
Look beyond the first impression.
While we face devastation and anxiety, across the globe as a result of the coronavirus, how do we find hope?
it is easy to panic and be anxious at a time such as this. At first glance, all we see and hear is uncertainty and everything that is bad. But if we take a moment to look again purposefully rather than reactively, we will see there are a lot of good things happening.
Shift the perspective
Our perspective of an event is what decides how we respond to it. In a time of crisis such as this, it is human nature to react and focus on everything that can go wrong in order to defend from them. As we go I to survival mode our focus become fear and anxiety and we fail to see the whole picture. This includes me too, only that I have learned as a therapist and through experience as a person of faith, there is something good in every situation that worth looking for. It takes little a bit of effort and shifting of mindset. We interpret the world based on our experience. Today the whole world is facing the same threat. However, our perception and responses to it will distinguish the outcome of each end up with.
Gain an understanding
The inherent power of kindness.
Kindness has the power to ignite flames joy and extinguish flames of anguish. Kindness has twofold gains.
One of the most powerful things I have noticed during this crisis is acts of kindness. Despite the constant negativity, we are witnessing some amazing moments of people are reaching out to others. it is natural for people to be anxious and to panic at such time. Yes, there is a minority who was driven by fear may have acted in a disturbing way. This has caused hostility and anxiety in the community. It is natural for people to automatically expect others to respond to the way we do. The fact is each person has their own way of dealing with stress. This is where it requires understanding and empathy to maintain peace and harmony throughout the community. Our experience in life forms the way we think and behave. We may not understand why some people act irrationally and why some refused to self-isolate. We will never know what is behind one's action. Shifting our focus from everything that is unhelpful can only be easy when we remind ourselves that there is a lot we don’t know about others and chose to focus pay attention to everything good rather than the negative.
Despite the anguish and frustration caused by the current crisis, people are witnessing acts of humanity and the power of love all around us.
Understand the power within
We are forced to put our brakes on and realise not everything is within our control. Together we can turn this devastating experience into a time people come together and focus on what matters the most. Th every aspect of social distancing has opened our eyes to important of connection and value of each other. It has brought to my attention how every little thing we do has an impact on the rest of the community. We need each other. We are in this together.
We can cultivate a compassionate empathetic world wherever we stand. Help people overcome the emotional strain by the power of kindness. It is time to think consciously/intentionally and collectively. And together we shall get through this. Kindness can be more contagious than COVID -19.
Let's start to notice the kindness and take every opportunity to be kind. Let's reach out. Through love and unity, we will get through this.
What really is kindness?
Some might say it is basic human decency. It is an interpersonal skill which takes some courage and strength as well as thoughtfulness. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It doesn't have to be on a large scale, it is simply being generous and thoughtful without any reason. We do it because we care. It all starts with shifting our way of thinking. For some, this may come naturally
Others who may not have the experience of kindness in their lives may think differently. One of the biggest reason some people don't care about is that they don't realise that they have a true capacity as they have not experienced kindness themselves, they may even see it as an effort without anything to gain. I believe we all have the ability and desire to care. However, it can get activated or deactivated by external factors. Circumstances and experiences can prevent people from caring. Understanding what kindness is and how it works can change our view of being kind and allowing others to be kind to us. It most certainly an inbuilt need and capacity in every human being. One spark of kindness can ignite a flame that keeps on burning and shining light over the world.
Science or kindness
Research has shown our emotions play a crucial role in regulating immune systems, and that negative emotions and stress can adversely affect the immune system. However, positive emotions derived from social interaction have been proven to change our neural pathways improving mental and physical health. ( social interaction can be virtual, it is the emotions that act as a change agent) Studies have revealed that acts of kindness release Endorphins (our boy's natural pain killer). Evidence also shows during thoughtfulness brain produce neurotransmitters( immune-boosting hormones) that give us a sense of joy and well-being. How appropriate and necessary is this phenomenon to the world right now. Being thoughtful and kindness seems to be the way to go. The amazing thing about kindness is benefits are twofold. We reap the benefits as we make a difference in someone else’s life by default. It is a win-win situation.
Health benefits of kindness
The advantages of thoughtfulness and kindness are multifaceted and it might take some effort. It is important we realise being kind is more beneficial to the person who practices kindness than the receiver in the long run. For a long time, I believed this is a law of Christ that we should look after each other. However, I recently learned that a large body of scientific research has revealed the psychological and neurological benefits of small acts of kindness. Some would say there are something magical about acts of kindness. It is one of the healthiest and most fulfilling habits to form. Research has shown that being thoughtful and kind can improve a person’s mood and people are kinder when they are in a good mood. This makes it a wonderful two-way relationship which just keeps giving. The joy that comes from kindness cannot be stolen. It penetrates once saule lifts up the spirit. Evidence shows during thoughtfulness brain produce neurotransmitters that give us a sense of joy and well-being. It can also release Endorphins body's natural pain killer. With all this evidence it goes to show kindness is something we are bone for and certainly must do. Opportunities are all around us.
Science or kindness
Research has shown our emotions play a crucial role in regulating immune systems, and that negative emotions and stress can adversely affect the immune system. However, positive emotions derived from social interaction have been proven to change our neural pathways improving mental and physical health. ( social interaction can be virtual, it is the emotions that act as a change agent) Studies have revealed that acts of kindness release Endorphins (our boy's natural pain killer). Evidence also shows during thoughtfulness brain produce neurotransmitters( immune-boosting hormones) that give us a sense of joy and well-being. How appropriate and necessary is this phenomenon to the world right now. Being thoughtful and kindness seems to be the way to go. The amazing thing about kindness is benefits are twofold. We reap the benefits as we make a difference in someone else’s life by default. It is a win-win situation.
Seek the opportunity
We are encountering a time of vast disruptions in every area in the lives of people. With every aspect of life being impacted the emotional turmoil will be immense. You have something precious you can share, kindness is in everyone's heart. We are created to love and to be loved. It is possible life experience may have stopped you from caring or you don't know what it is like to be cared for. Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful smile, or a word. kind word or moment of your time will make someone feel valued. A kind heart of one can bring healing to an emotionally strained heart of another. Don’t forget the advantages you have as you practice kindness.
Be observant of the opportunities to be kind, notice when someone needs a hand. Check your capacity and be the first to reach out. Your action wouldn't stop there. kindness can become contagious. A sense of community is created when people are kind to those who need a helping hand. Become a part of a kindness epidemic. The best you can do for your mental and physical health and others is to think kind, be kind. When we come together in our hearts distance cannot separate us. Stay well and connected by the spirit of kindness. You are not alone.
