'Imagine the impact we could have if we all practiced empathy and vulnerability – if we truly tried to understand and connect with one another on a deeper level.'
In this day and age, that would truly be one of the most profound things ever. I do hope we all can reach that stage as a society.
For instance, a stranger held the door open for you with warm smile or co-worker offered to help you without you asking.
Understanding true Kindness.
True Kindness goes beyond just being polite or doing the right thing.
It is about making making genuine connection with another human being.
It is about empathy-the ability to put yourself in someone's else shoes and truly understand what they are going through. It is also vulnerability-having the courage to open up and let your guard down even when it is scary.
I believe it's best to actively look for opportunities to practice kindness, rather than just waiting for chances to arise. While spontaneous acts of kindness are great, being intentional about incorporating kindness into your daily thoughts and actions can make a bigger difference.
I love this! Such practical and great advice. and you’re right! We do reap what we sow. I have noticed the days I have practiced living as you invite us to, are the days that I myself experience greater joy, and a sense of well-being. This is the kind of world I belong to be part. Thank you!
I think we always have to be mindful of the difference between our intent and our impact. Our intent may be to practice vulnerability and empathy, but we don’t know how our efforts might be received. Some people have experienced a level of trauma we cannot understand. When my husband died 2.5 years ago, there were many well intentioned people say and doing things which had a negative impact on me. It wasn’t on purpose, they didn’t know any better, but when I was honest and told them what they said or did was hurtful, rather than apologizing, they stuck to their
Amy, thank you for sharing, and glad to have you hear.
Sorry to hear about your loss.
While our intentions matter, we must also be mindful of the actual impact our words and actions have on others, especially those who have experienced trauma or difficult circumstances.
Love this story, Tinashe. Kindness is a superpower. I love to be kind to others and make an effort to show kindness in at least some way every day. Why not make an effort to make someone’s day brighter? Life is too short for anger or resentment, or even a sense of dreariness or boredom or blah. I find, even the smallest act of kindness can always lift the spirit. It’s the soft smile of a longtime friend or the enthusiastic greeting you get from someone new. It’s amazing how quickly acquaintances can become regular friends with just a brief, but heartfelt convo. It bridges the humanity in all of us.
Kindness is good, in and of itself. It is also good because of the many problems it solves, mostly by ensuring they don't start in the first place.
The more I get to know people, the more I see that they have their own issues they're dealing with. Issues may be different, but they all matter to those going through them.
Kindness and compassion are important; they may be just what helps one keep their sanity at times. You say it right: we are all better off when we practice this crucial virtue.
Agreed, being kind and compassionate for others helps us stay mentally healthy. Showing empathy makes our own problems feel smaller. Connecting with people through kindness reminds us we're not alone with our issues.
The issue will always be there that is the nature of life but we control how we react to them.
A beautiful mantra, Tinashe—like a spoonful of sugar! A little dose of kindness. I read somewhere on Subs that one of the 'currencies' of the next 50 years would be manners, social norms (ie kindness)? Because, this particular essay went on to say, common manners would become, or are becoming, a thing of the past. How sad. But we can remedy that by taking heed.
Kindness, really goes a long way for me personally. Thanks for sharing what the article mentioned , 'currencies ' of the future. Thanks for engaging Jeanine.
I loved this, Tinashe. Kind gestures are so important – I think we forget how much of an impact they can have on someone. I think it's also really important to distinguish between being kind and being nice, I feel like sometimes we all get confused between the two and should definitely try and steer more towards kindness.
I am glad it resonates, the impact all around is huge.
Kindness positively impacts the giver through fulfillment, the receiver through upliftment, and observers through inspiration to pay it forward. The distinction between nice and kind must be highlighted as you mention, for me being nice is being polite, while kindness stems from genuine empathy and compassion for others. Thank you for engaging Leah, appreciated it. :-)
A couple of years ago or so, I came up with a new life goal: "To live in a way that earns me this line on my tombstone: Here lies a kind person." I really appreciate this post, Tinashe.
Love how you see kindness as making a genuine connection with another human being. It’s something to be deliberately cultivated and paid attention to in a world which has, in recent times, rewarded the fleeting and fast (where no one ultimately feels satisfied).
'Imagine the impact we could have if we all practiced empathy and vulnerability – if we truly tried to understand and connect with one another on a deeper level.'
In this day and age, that would truly be one of the most profound things ever. I do hope we all can reach that stage as a society.
I also hope we can reach this as a society. Thank you for engaging Raveen, always appreciated.
Kindness: a journey of empathy and vulnerability.
For instance, a stranger held the door open for you with warm smile or co-worker offered to help you without you asking.
Understanding true Kindness.
True Kindness goes beyond just being polite or doing the right thing.
It is about making making genuine connection with another human being.
It is about empathy-the ability to put yourself in someone's else shoes and truly understand what they are going through. It is also vulnerability-having the courage to open up and let your guard down even when it is scary.
Wisdom that is worth sharing.
Well done brother and thanks for sharing with us.
I believe it's best to actively look for opportunities to practice kindness, rather than just waiting for chances to arise. While spontaneous acts of kindness are great, being intentional about incorporating kindness into your daily thoughts and actions can make a bigger difference.
Thank you for engaging brother, I appreciate you!
This wonderful reminder of the power of kindness and how we can all practice kindness to others!
You are too kind De'Anne, Thank you for engaging.
I love this! Such practical and great advice. and you’re right! We do reap what we sow. I have noticed the days I have practiced living as you invite us to, are the days that I myself experience greater joy, and a sense of well-being. This is the kind of world I belong to be part. Thank you!
I am glad you found this practical Wayne. We have an opportunity to impact our immediate environments. I appreciate your comments.
I think we always have to be mindful of the difference between our intent and our impact. Our intent may be to practice vulnerability and empathy, but we don’t know how our efforts might be received. Some people have experienced a level of trauma we cannot understand. When my husband died 2.5 years ago, there were many well intentioned people say and doing things which had a negative impact on me. It wasn’t on purpose, they didn’t know any better, but when I was honest and told them what they said or did was hurtful, rather than apologizing, they stuck to their
Amy, thank you for sharing, and glad to have you hear.
Sorry to hear about your loss.
While our intentions matter, we must also be mindful of the actual impact our words and actions have on others, especially those who have experienced trauma or difficult circumstances.
Intent rather than their impact.
Love this story, Tinashe. Kindness is a superpower. I love to be kind to others and make an effort to show kindness in at least some way every day. Why not make an effort to make someone’s day brighter? Life is too short for anger or resentment, or even a sense of dreariness or boredom or blah. I find, even the smallest act of kindness can always lift the spirit. It’s the soft smile of a longtime friend or the enthusiastic greeting you get from someone new. It’s amazing how quickly acquaintances can become regular friends with just a brief, but heartfelt convo. It bridges the humanity in all of us.
I am glad it resonates Marisa. I agree the smallest of act go such a long way. Thank you for sharing your experience 😊.
Kindness is good, in and of itself. It is also good because of the many problems it solves, mostly by ensuring they don't start in the first place.
The more I get to know people, the more I see that they have their own issues they're dealing with. Issues may be different, but they all matter to those going through them.
Kindness and compassion are important; they may be just what helps one keep their sanity at times. You say it right: we are all better off when we practice this crucial virtue.
Thank you for this, Tinashe.
Agreed, being kind and compassionate for others helps us stay mentally healthy. Showing empathy makes our own problems feel smaller. Connecting with people through kindness reminds us we're not alone with our issues.
The issue will always be there that is the nature of life but we control how we react to them.
Thank you for engaging much appreciated brother!
Always welcome, and thanks.
A beautiful mantra, Tinashe—like a spoonful of sugar! A little dose of kindness. I read somewhere on Subs that one of the 'currencies' of the next 50 years would be manners, social norms (ie kindness)? Because, this particular essay went on to say, common manners would become, or are becoming, a thing of the past. How sad. But we can remedy that by taking heed.
Kindness, really goes a long way for me personally. Thanks for sharing what the article mentioned , 'currencies ' of the future. Thanks for engaging Jeanine.
I loved this, Tinashe. Kind gestures are so important – I think we forget how much of an impact they can have on someone. I think it's also really important to distinguish between being kind and being nice, I feel like sometimes we all get confused between the two and should definitely try and steer more towards kindness.
I am glad it resonates, the impact all around is huge.
Kindness positively impacts the giver through fulfillment, the receiver through upliftment, and observers through inspiration to pay it forward. The distinction between nice and kind must be highlighted as you mention, for me being nice is being polite, while kindness stems from genuine empathy and compassion for others. Thank you for engaging Leah, appreciated it. :-)
A couple of years ago or so, I came up with a new life goal: "To live in a way that earns me this line on my tombstone: Here lies a kind person." I really appreciate this post, Tinashe.
This is great a goal Lou, I will add it to my list as well. I appreciate your engagement.
Beautiful words
Thank you, Hannah, I am glad it resonates.
So true, we need to be about more than "me, me, me". Thank you, Tinashe.
Agreed Sharon , I appreciated your engagement.
Such a beautiful piece, thank you for it. 🙏🏻♥️
Thank you for engaging Karen :-)
Love how you see kindness as making a genuine connection with another human being. It’s something to be deliberately cultivated and paid attention to in a world which has, in recent times, rewarded the fleeting and fast (where no one ultimately feels satisfied).
I am glad it resonates and thank you for engaging Joanna 😃.
Remember, even if not everyone responds positively, the good impact is worth it.
Agreed Mo, you can only focus on what you can do. Thanks for engaging here.
Great post, Tinashe!
Thank you for the feedback Priya, much appreciated.