KINDNESS

Police Officer’s Final Act of Kindness Caught on Tape Before Dying
This is truly heartwrenching, but it’s also inspirational. We can all ask ourselves, how will the rest of the world talk about us when we’re gone? In the case of this police officer, he will never be forgotten.

Because one has no idea what our next moment will bring, but we can be fearless by being true and Kind to ourself, and Kind to the other. Share a warm, sincere smile with everyone that you greet, can you?

“As long as we observe love for others and respect for their rights and dignity in our daily lives, then whether we are learned or unlearned, whether we believe in the Buddha or God, follow some religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy.” Dalai Lama

kind⋅ness  [kahynd-nis]
–noun
1. the state or quality of being kind: kindness to animals.
2. a kind act; favor: his many kindnesses to me.
3. kind behavior: I will never forget your kindness.
4. friendly feeling; liking.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME kindenes. See kind 1 , -ness

Synonyms:
1, 3. benignity, benevolence, humanity, generosity, charity, sympathy, compassion, tenderness. 2. good turn.

Antonyms:
1. malevolence. 3. cruelty.

 

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness-

it is usually returned.

Health Benefits of Kindness

Numerous scientific studies show that acts of kindness result in significant health benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some key points:

• Helping contributes to the maintenance of good health, and it can diminish the effect of diseases and disorders serious and minor, psychological and physical.

• A rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, after performing a kind act is often referred to as a “helper’s high,” involving physical sensations and the release of the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins. This initial rush is then followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.

• Stress-related health problems improve after performing kind acts. Helping reverses feelings of depression, supplies social contact, and decreases feelings of hostility and isolation that can cause stress, overeating, ulcers, etc. A drop in stress may, for some people, decrease the constriction within the lungs that leads to asthma attacks.

• Helping can enhance our feelings of joyfulness, emotional resilience, and vigor, and can reduce the unhealthy sense of isolation.

• A decrease in both the intensity and the awareness of physical pain can occur.

• The incidence of attitudes, such as chronic hostility, that negatively arouse and damage the body is reduced.

• The health benefits and sense of well-being return for hours or even days whenever the helping act is remembered.

• An increased sense of self-worth, greater happiness, and optimism, as well as a decrease in feelings of helplessness and depression, is achieved.

• Once we establish an “affiliative connection” with someone – a relationship of friendship, love, or some sort of positive bonding – we feel emotions that can strengthen the immune system.

• Adopting an altruistic lifestyle is a critical component of mental health.

• The practice of caring for strangers translates to immense immune and healing benefits.

• Regular club attendance, volunteering, entertaining, or faith group attendance is the happiness equivalent of getting a college degree or more than doubling your income.

Source: Luks, Allan. The Healing Power of Doing Good: The Health and Spiritual Benefits of Helping Others. New York: iUniverse.com, 2001. Our thanks to the Niagara Wellness Council, Niagara Fall, NY, for compiling this list from Luks’ book. The Niagara Wellness Council may be reached by email at niagwellness@opticlick.com.

 

There is a ‘visioning’ process currently in progress with a weekly brief meditation occuring every Sunday immediately after the Sunday gathering at CCL. If you wish to be a part of the visioning meditation you are welcome to join us at 12:15 PM at the assembly hall for this ‘heart centered’ time. (go here to get directions)

USA’s Kindness News

Human Kindness Foundation

Carry Out Random Acts of Kindness Daily

KINDNESS – New ways we give and volunteer

Connecting The World Through Kindness

Kindness Ideas

Community of Kindness

The Kindness Cure

Are We Wired For Kindness

Center For Unconditional Love

Camp Courageous

Adventures In Missions