It’s a simple title: “The
Power of Kindness – The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life”
by author Piero Ferrucci. It is a thoughtful book that shares why doing kind
acts leads to a happier existence, and, let’s face it, makes the world a nicer
place.
I am fortunate enough to see the power of kindness first
hand. Along with my fellow kindness coach, Ivy Sims, I go into schools and talk
about this strong component of character education through kindness workshops.
It’s an honor and my favorite activity is when the kids write complimentary
words about their classmates and in witnessing the beaming face of a child being
told something nice about them by his or her peer. We don’t hear compliments enough.
It’s
also a proven fact that encouraging this type of character education makes a
difference. In a longitudinal experiment conducted in 19 classrooms in
Vancouver, 9- to 11-year olds were instructed to perform three acts of kindness
(versus visit three places) per week over the course of 4 weeks. Students improved
in well-being, and there was a difference in the tone of the classroom.
Speaking of the power of small actions, it was heart-warming
to read about some well-known people using their celebrity to make a difference
in others’ lives. First, I read about former NHL player Bob Lemieux who experienced
7 concussions during his career and has spoken out about the physical and
mental damage and is donating his brain for research so scientists can learn
the toll the tough sport takes on athletes:
As well, Blue Jay pitcher, R.A. Dickey used his celebrity to
raise over 1000,00 to fight the exploitation of children in India’s sex trade: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/baseball/ra-dickey-has-a-heart-for-the-vulnerable/article11875838/
The book even demonstrates, via scientific research, what
can happen with generous actions: , ‘…kind people are healthier and live
longer, are more popular and
productive, have greater success in business, and are happier than others.’
Ultimately, The
Power of Kindness http://www.amazon.com/Power-Kindness-Unexpected-Benefits-Compassionate/dp/1585425885 and the generosity that occurred this past week reminds
me that a single act of kindness can make all the difference to one person or
to many. One is enough.
I leave you
with a song by the melodic songstress Natalie Merchant simply entitled “Kind
and Generous”
It’s a thank you to someone and, perhaps, to all of you who
reach out to help others in their daily lives. I salute you!
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