I've been feeling disheartened lately spending time on the internet. When I first started this blog back in October 2004, the world was different. It's always changing, I realize that. But is this current change for the better? How will society benefit from all the anger, hostility, contempt, and general negativity I read and see displayed in comments and videos every day?
As an empath, I feel it affecting me. In response I take steps to avoid exposure to the reels, comments, and endless noise of disatisfaction being pumped out on social media; there are days I honestly believe someone or some group, with power and resources, are creating and backing this trend. It's like the dastardly villain we all know from childhood cartoons and stories is alive with the sole purpose of manipulating society toward their twisted vision of dystopia. I say this trend needs to stop before we all get sucked into a pit of despair with no chance of escape.
It starts with me. And you. The power of one.
I for one do not want to live in a world without love, compassion, generosity, or kindness. My intention is to follow my heart where it leads with kindness. Starting here. Starting now.
Spreading kindness...everywhere like confetti. Through information. If someone is lacking oxytocin, I know where to find it.
How kindness helps...
😊☑Increases self-esteem: Research has shown that all acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, have a positive influence on your self-esteem. Doing something nice for someone else makes you feel better about yourself!
😀Improves mood: Kindness provides a boost to hormones in your brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being. This phenomenon is called a “helpers high” because the pleasure and reward centers of your brain light up when you do something nice for another person.
⬇Lowers cortisol (stress hormone): Some data indicates that perpetually kind people have lower cortisol levels than the average population. More kindness means less stress!
💓Kindness is contagious…in a good way! The science of kindness continues to support the “Golden Rule” – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When you receive kindness, you are more likely to express kindness to others. Start with one small act of kindness towards a friend, co-worker, or stranger because you never know how big of an impact you may have.
Kindness as a Treatment for Pain, Depression and Anxiety
According to Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai, “Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”
