Kindness & Compassion Collage
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
Perhaps you remember the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Even more relevant today in the era of ultra-processed foods, but that’s a topic for another blog.
What if we rewrote it? Something like:
“Kindness and compassion each day keep overwhelm at bay.”
- OR -
“Kindness and compassion each day help keep stress away.”
This isn’t just a cute rewrite, it does indeed support our well-being and the well-being of communities. And it’s supported by evidence-based science.
Think of what follows as a collage of possibilities, something to snack on slowly, like your favorite apple variety.
KINDNESS
Science Support
People who engage in regular acts of kindness report lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Even witnessing kindness, not just doing it, can elevate mood and increase prosocial behavior.
Research suggests we derive more happiness from cooperation than competition.
Kindness has been shown to support positive changes in the brain linked to well-being and resilience.
Wisdom Speakers
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” - Dalai Lama
“Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” - Charles Glassman
“Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” - Mark Twain
Lessons in Practice
Kindness is not passive, meek, or “nice”, it carries quiet strength and the power to ignite potential.
Kindness is choosing love over fear.
Kindness doesn’t fix anything, but changes everything.
Kindness is a micro-practice with macro impact.
COMPASSION
Science Support
Loving-kindness and compassion practices are associated with increased positive emotions and life satisfaction (research from Barbara Fredrickson).
Self-compassion is strongly correlated with resilience, motivation, and reduced burnout (work of Kristin Neff).
Compassion helps regulate the nervous system, calming the body while supporting emotional connection.
Wisdom Speakers
“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded, but a relationship between equals.” - Pema Chödrön
“I am larger, better than I thought; I did not know I held so much goodness.” - Walt Whitman
Lessons in Practice
Compassion invites us to learn from our past but not live in it.
Compassion is how we remember we belong to each other.
Compassion calms the body while it opens the heart.
REFLECTION & PRACTICE
How much of your personal energy is spent each day planning, ruminating, fantasizing, brooding, judging, comparing?
What might happen if even a small portion of that energy was gathered in and returned to yourself?
How might it feel to hold yourself, and others, in kindness?
Start simple:
One kind thought toward yourself
One small act of kindness toward another
One moment of compassion when things don’t go your way
Daily doses not requiring a doctor’s RX. Side effects include calm, connection, and a sense of enough.
In-joy sharing a little kindness along the way.
Debbie