To be clear, when I say the word kindness Im not referring exclusively to the individual acts of kindness that have been plastered across social media. Its all well and good to smile at passerbys or pay for a strangers coffee. But when I speak of kindness, I mean it in the broadest most altruistic way.

Perhaps its semantics, and what Im actually talking about is compassion, but I would argue that compassion is simply a deeper manifestation of kindness.

Recently, Tim Denning wrote an article here on Medium about the original free hugs guy. Denning not only discusses the depth at which a simple act of kindness can move us, but he also shared the disappointing truth that we see kindness as too soft. He states, You might think this free hugs talk is getting all too touchy-feely a touch too soft, maybe?

Dennings comment about his conversation on hugs is how we often look at acts of kindness, or discussions about the value of kindness. Yet most of us can recall at least one moment in our lives when someone showed us kindness that made a difference. It may have been life changing, or simply added a lightness to our step. Regardless of its size, it made an impact.

Then why is it so hard for us to acknowledge the value of kindness? Ill tell you why. Because its not sexy. It doesnt make us any money, and theres no point in bragging about how kind a person we are.

Kindness is inherently, well. Kind.

And just like getting into a consistent wellness routine can be harder than we think, so can being kind.

As Deepak Chopra states in this Medium article, We have had the luxury of ignoring self-awareness for along time, and it has given us a chance to deny responsibility for the problems that no self-aware person would tolerate.

Kindness means so much more than buying thoughtful gifts for friends and family. It means so much more than using our blinkers when were merging.

As Denning stated so eloquently, You never know what a person is going through behind the scenes. You never know what theyre missing. But you can be sure that showing an act of humanity is a great place to start.

Id like to say that Im evolved enough to always remember that kindness is an act of social justice. But I too succumb to the false truth that being kind, or even discussing kindness, is soft and somehow less valuable than bitcoin or pursuing financial freedom.

. . .

Hi there! Im Anon, writer, educator, wife, mom, expat, adoptee, and so much more. I write about creativity, family life, mental health, and the love between a woman and food, among other things.

My hope is to shed some light on the opportunities we have to awaken a deep sense of peace from within and to then use that inner peace to make the world more whole.

If you want to stay up to date with my latest posts, here and on my blog, subscribe here. Thanks so much for your support. ~ Anon

* To clarify, Im speaking to positive impacts that move towards more equality and sustainability. Not simply change, which can go in multiple directions.

This post was previously published on Change Becomes You.

***

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community. A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities. A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Visit link:
It Has the Sex Appeal of Swiss Cheese, but It Will Change Your Life - The Good Men Project