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The Kindness Box
- Thread starter Knight of Albion
- Start date
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
As one of humankind’s cardinal virtues and most cherished social currencies, kindness – no doubt – is important. According to one hypothesis, pro-social traits like kindness may have even primed our species for the evolution of language. As children and as adults, we seek kindness from our friends and our mates. We spend our days giving and receiving kindness. We remember kindness, too, its trail of goodwill echoing through our memory banks like sweet perfume, long after the moment has passed. Kindness moves us. It nourishes and heals; strengthens and uplifts. A smile, a touch born of kindness can crack open the most rugged of hearts, unclench the tightest of fists. It has been hailed by poets, philosophers and spiritual leaders as a gift, a religion, a language audible to the deaf and visible to the blind, a weapon to fight evil, and mankind’s greatest delight. And now, science is showing just why the accolades ring true.
Why Choose Kindness
Cheers!
Why Choose Kindness
Cheers!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Last week, I discussed “The Heartful Way” and left you with the question: Is heartfulness always interpersonal? Does it always have to involve bringing kindness and care to others?
The short answer is “no.” This post explores how heartfulness is internal (intra-personal) and will relay tips for practicing it and the research that supports these ideas.
From this interesting blog -
The Heartful Way, Part 2
The short answer is “no.” This post explores how heartfulness is internal (intra-personal) and will relay tips for practicing it and the research that supports these ideas.
From this interesting blog -
The Heartful Way, Part 2
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
With the increased acknowledgment that bullying behavior is a widespread epidemic in workplaces and schools, the need to reclaim our kindness roots is imperative.
Worldwide efforts to shine a light on kindness have led to the development of kindness curriculums and days devoted to celebrating kindness and compassion.
There are countless organizations whose entire mission is to spread kindness. As you read this article, you’ll learn about several of them. You’ll also learn about ordinary people doing ordinary things with extraordinary results.
Along the way, we’ll ask you to contribute your knowledge in the comments. Sharing your book recommendations, and acts of kindness suggestions might inspire others. Let’s create a ripple that becomes a wave we all can ride.
Read more here -
What is Kindness in Psychology? (Incl. Activities + Quotes)
All the best!
Worldwide efforts to shine a light on kindness have led to the development of kindness curriculums and days devoted to celebrating kindness and compassion.
There are countless organizations whose entire mission is to spread kindness. As you read this article, you’ll learn about several of them. You’ll also learn about ordinary people doing ordinary things with extraordinary results.
Along the way, we’ll ask you to contribute your knowledge in the comments. Sharing your book recommendations, and acts of kindness suggestions might inspire others. Let’s create a ripple that becomes a wave we all can ride.
Read more here -
What is Kindness in Psychology? (Incl. Activities + Quotes)
All the best!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Recently I was reminded of the importance of kindness, particularly kindness to strangers.
I was given the opportunity to film the wedding of a family friend. As a videographer, I’m always looking for ways to build my client base and enhance my professional experience, so naturally, I agreed.
Most of the guests at this wedding were friends of my parents, many of whom I hadn’t seen in years. Although I recognized a lot of the people, most did not recognize me, particularly with a camera in my hand and “on the other side of the fence,” so to speak.
A few kind souls were extremely friendly, looked me in the eyes, sparked conversation, and spoke to me with dignity. But to my surprise, the vast majority of guests at this wedding pushed past me, bumped into me, or spoke down to me. Again, these were people that I knew!
From this huge site -
Why We Should Always Be Kind to Strangers
Cheers!
I was given the opportunity to film the wedding of a family friend. As a videographer, I’m always looking for ways to build my client base and enhance my professional experience, so naturally, I agreed.
Most of the guests at this wedding were friends of my parents, many of whom I hadn’t seen in years. Although I recognized a lot of the people, most did not recognize me, particularly with a camera in my hand and “on the other side of the fence,” so to speak.
A few kind souls were extremely friendly, looked me in the eyes, sparked conversation, and spoke to me with dignity. But to my surprise, the vast majority of guests at this wedding pushed past me, bumped into me, or spoke down to me. Again, these were people that I knew!
From this huge site -
Why We Should Always Be Kind to Strangers
Cheers!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
On a similar theme? -
This ad demonstrates how a stranger’s act of kindness made a huge difference in the life of a sick little girl. This man may only have been a caretaker managing the yard in front of her window, but the colorful surprises along the way impacted her in a way he could never have imagined. You never know how far your acts of kindness will go!
This Ad Will Remind You Just How Important It Is to be Kind to Strangers
All the best!
This ad demonstrates how a stranger’s act of kindness made a huge difference in the life of a sick little girl. This man may only have been a caretaker managing the yard in front of her window, but the colorful surprises along the way impacted her in a way he could never have imagined. You never know how far your acts of kindness will go!
This Ad Will Remind You Just How Important It Is to be Kind to Strangers
All the best!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
In this charming, illustrated video, we learn how gestures of kindness have an infinite impact. We often savor our memories of small kindnesses, so why not pass them on? Kindness can be taught, and loving acts that seem negligible can change lives—and even the world.
Kindness Can Be Taught — Pass It On
Kindness Can Be Taught — Pass It On
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
How to Approach Mindfulness with Kindness
Meditation and mindfulness can be a real struggle. It takes practice, and we may often find ourselves approaching it with a negative attitude—which can lead to judgment of ourselves and others, creating a spiral of negativity. In this TEDx Talk, psychologist Shauna Shapiro tells of her own personal struggles with mindfulness meditation, and shares some sage advice she has received about the importance of approaching every moment with intentional kindness.
From this site -
How to Approach Mindfulness with Kindness
Meditation and mindfulness can be a real struggle. It takes practice, and we may often find ourselves approaching it with a negative attitude—which can lead to judgment of ourselves and others, creating a spiral of negativity. In this TEDx Talk, psychologist Shauna Shapiro tells of her own personal struggles with mindfulness meditation, and shares some sage advice she has received about the importance of approaching every moment with intentional kindness.
From this site -
How to Approach Mindfulness with Kindness
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Another blog entry about kindness -
These are my notes from Session 3 of The Self-Acceptance Project at Sounds True.
In this episode, Tami Simon speaks with Geneen Roth, a writer and teacher whose work focuses on using addiction as a path to the inner universe. Geneen is the bestselling author of Feeding the Hungry Heart, and with Sounds True has created the audio learning course When Food Is Food and Love Is Love.
Tami asked Geneen to talk about working with the self-critical voice in our head. Here are the main points she made.
Kindness Is the Means and End
All the best!
These are my notes from Session 3 of The Self-Acceptance Project at Sounds True.
In this episode, Tami Simon speaks with Geneen Roth, a writer and teacher whose work focuses on using addiction as a path to the inner universe. Geneen is the bestselling author of Feeding the Hungry Heart, and with Sounds True has created the audio learning course When Food Is Food and Love Is Love.
Tami asked Geneen to talk about working with the self-critical voice in our head. Here are the main points she made.
Kindness Is the Means and End
All the best!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Kindness is a value that is often disregarded and undervalued. Kind people can be viewed as ‘enablers’ by some and ‘suckers’ by the cynical. In fact, kindness is inextricably linked to happiness and contentment, at the psychological and spiritual level. Why do random acts of kindness increase a person’s sense of happiness? Because kindness can promote gratitude, empathy and compassion which in turn leads to a sense of inter-connectedness to others. When you feel connected to others you lessen alienation and enhance the sense that we are more similar than dissimilar in our experiences. Feeling connected brings us together rather than dividing us. Kindness is potent in strengthening a sense of community and belonging.
Researcher Barbara Fredrickson claims that loving kindness moves us out of the selfish realm and takes us off the hedonic treadmill. Compassion and kindness also reduce stress, boost our immune systems, and help reduce emotions such as anger, anxiety and depression.
Small Acts of Kindness — Macquarie Health Collective
Researcher Barbara Fredrickson claims that loving kindness moves us out of the selfish realm and takes us off the hedonic treadmill. Compassion and kindness also reduce stress, boost our immune systems, and help reduce emotions such as anger, anxiety and depression.
Small Acts of Kindness — Macquarie Health Collective
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Dalai Lama - loads at youTube ...
How do we work as one world ...
All the best!
How do we work as one world ...
All the best!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
One of the best ways to increase our own happiness is to do things that make other people happy. In countless studies, kindness and generosity have been linked to greater life satisfaction, stronger relationships, and better mental and physical health—generous people even live longer.
What’s more, the happiness people derive from giving to others creates a positive feedback loop: The positive feelings inspire further generosity—which, in turn, fuels greater happiness. And research suggests that kindness is truly contagious: Those who witness and benefit from others’ acts of kindness are more likely to be kind themselves; a single act of kindness spreads through social networks by three degrees of separation, from person to person to person to person.
Three Strategies for Bringing More Kindness into Your…
Cheers!
What’s more, the happiness people derive from giving to others creates a positive feedback loop: The positive feelings inspire further generosity—which, in turn, fuels greater happiness. And research suggests that kindness is truly contagious: Those who witness and benefit from others’ acts of kindness are more likely to be kind themselves; a single act of kindness spreads through social networks by three degrees of separation, from person to person to person to person.
Three Strategies for Bringing More Kindness into Your…
Cheers!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
I hope you have noticed people being kinder through this pandemic. At the park, supermarket and over the phone I have distinctly observed more generous helpings of kindness these past weeks and I hope it's a trend that continues to grow when the crisis is over. With mindfulness coaching and practice we develop kindness as a conscious intention toward ourselves and others. Kindness is central to many cultures, religions and spiritual practices and is considered to be a virtuous characteristic. The practice of mindfulness is an invitation to bring a kind and gentle awareness to our sensory experience and including our suffering or stressors. If we can do this we are able to shift out of the ruminating and anxious mind and find we can soften and open our heart to connection.
https://www.thecoachhub.com.au/post/kindness-practice-for-the-greater-good-of-humanity
https://www.thecoachhub.com.au/post/kindness-practice-for-the-greater-good-of-humanity
"My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect, and honesty, and I realize how central values like these have been to me throughout my life." -Kate Middleton-
"I think when we can turn to the person sitting next to us and really see them with kindness and see ourselves reflected back - when there's some dignity and compassion traveling back and forth." -Sharon Stone-
"What are gold and jewels and precious utensils? Mere dross and dirt. The human face and the human heart, reciprocations of kindness and love, and all the nameless sympathies of our nature - these are the only objects worth being attached to." -William Godwin-
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Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Hi, I’m Dacher Keltner. One thing we love at the Science of Happiness is hearing from our listeners. So whether you’re a longtime fan or listening for the first time, please share your feedback. You can use the hashtag #HappinessPod on social or email us at [email protected].
For the podcast - click below -
Episode 74: 24 Hours of Kindness
All the best!
For the podcast - click below -
Episode 74: 24 Hours of Kindness
All the best!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
Have you ever been really frustrated or annoyed with someone’s behavior, maybe even deciding to dislike or shun them, only to find out later that there was a good reason for them to be having a really off day?
Have you been that rude or snappy person yourself? I know I have.
...
I suspect there is something about this that is surprising and disarming. In so many cases, as with the second situation I am thinking of, acting normally and demonstrating care leads to deeper discovery and connection.
The tense, irritable person in front of me had something much bigger going on under his superficial reason for the visit. He eventually broke down in tears and shared what was really happening. We ended up talking about the situation and getting him the help that he needed. I saw him again recently, and he was a different person. He smiled throughout the exchange and expressed his gratitude. It was incredibly gratifying.
If I had been brusque with him and tried to get his original, unfriendly self out of the office as soon as possible, so much would have been lost.
For the full-blog just click here -
5 Ways to Use Kindness to Defuse a Difficult Person
Cheers!
Have you been that rude or snappy person yourself? I know I have.
...
I suspect there is something about this that is surprising and disarming. In so many cases, as with the second situation I am thinking of, acting normally and demonstrating care leads to deeper discovery and connection.
The tense, irritable person in front of me had something much bigger going on under his superficial reason for the visit. He eventually broke down in tears and shared what was really happening. We ended up talking about the situation and getting him the help that he needed. I saw him again recently, and he was a different person. He smiled throughout the exchange and expressed his gratitude. It was incredibly gratifying.
If I had been brusque with him and tried to get his original, unfriendly self out of the office as soon as possible, so much would have been lost.
For the full-blog just click here -
5 Ways to Use Kindness to Defuse a Difficult Person
Cheers!
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
“Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.” – Andrew Iskander
“Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.” – Andrew Iskander
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This is a wonderful thread you have been inspired to begin, G.A. Much thanks for the inspiring thoughts coming down upon us!
The following story is not mine but from an individual on another Board, (his name is 2 Scoops).
I remember when I had Jury Duty 3 years ago. I was waiting for the train during rush hour to get home, and a packed train stopped, the doors opened. I said to my Jury Duty mate, "I'll get the next one." A Hispanic man wearing a baseball hat was standing by the door and he said, "No, we'll make room for you." He moved over and I was able to get on the train. On the ride home, a woman sitting near us started talking about her job. She was a teacher. The man with the positive comments to the conversation. When his stop came (also mine) he wished everyone "a nice weekend" and got off. He was walking a few yards ahead of me.
When I left the subway station, I saw the same man kneeling down talking to a young disabled man with a cardboard sign asking for money. I noticed his gentle manner once again.
I have no idea who this man is but I was very impressed by his humanity.
Kind strangers are
needed in this world!!
The following story is not mine but from an individual on another Board, (his name is 2 Scoops).
I remember when I had Jury Duty 3 years ago. I was waiting for the train during rush hour to get home, and a packed train stopped, the doors opened. I said to my Jury Duty mate, "I'll get the next one." A Hispanic man wearing a baseball hat was standing by the door and he said, "No, we'll make room for you." He moved over and I was able to get on the train. On the ride home, a woman sitting near us started talking about her job. She was a teacher. The man with the positive comments to the conversation. When his stop came (also mine) he wished everyone "a nice weekend" and got off. He was walking a few yards ahead of me.
When I left the subway station, I saw the same man kneeling down talking to a young disabled man with a cardboard sign asking for money. I noticed his gentle manner once again.
I have no idea who this man is but I was very impressed by his humanity.
needed in this world!!
Geoff-Allen
Resident megalomaniac
This is a wonderful thread you have been inspired to begin, G.A. Much thanks for the inspiring thoughts coming down upon us!
The following story is not mine but from an individual on another Board, (his name is 2 Scoops).
I remember when I had Jury Duty 3 years ago. I was waiting for the train during rush hour to get home, and a packed train stopped, the doors opened. I said to my Jury Duty mate, "I'll get the next one." A Hispanic man wearing a baseball hat was standing by the door and he said, "No, we'll make room for you." He moved over and I was able to get on the train. On the ride home, a woman sitting near us started talking about her job. She was a teacher. The man with the positive comments to the conversation. When his stop came (also mine) he wished everyone "a nice weekend" and got off. He was walking a few yards ahead of me.
When I left the subway station, I saw the same man kneeling down talking to a young disabled man with a cardboard sign asking for money. I noticed his gentle manner once again.
I have no idea who this man is but I was very impressed by his humanity.Kind strangers are
needed in this world!!
Thanks for sharing.
I did not actually start this thread myself - I kind of inherited it
Just been looking at a bunch of videos on the science of a meaningful life -
The Science of a Meaningful Life Video Series
It's a huge collection at the Greater Good site - nothing specifically about kindness so far but I have only watched a couple ...
Wishing all our readers the very best!