“Be Kinder To Yourself, Be Kinder To Others, That’s The Whole Point”

The idea that being kinder to yourself and kinder to others is the whole point took me by surprise. It was said to me by a Buddhist friend at a party*, not the kind of conversations you often have. It made me think.

As many of us are absorbing the shock and fear of rapidly changing public policies that are designed to eliminate safeguards and protections for people and the environment, we are left to wonder, what can I do? There is a simple starting point with yourself and your own actions. This creates the ripple that will lift us all up and generate the courage and determination to initiate change.

Here are some ways being kinder can work:

BEING KINDER TO YOURSELF KEEPS YOU OUT OF FEAR AND BOOSTS YOUR ENERGY

• Use Self-Compassion to create a supportive inner self, reducing fear of failure and rejection.
• Build Confidence by acknowledging your strengths and celebrating your accomplishments
• Create Positive Inner Dialogue, replacing critical self-talk with recognition of your abilities.
• Foster Resilience by recognizing you trust yourself to manage and overcome adversity
• Reduce Stress by decreasing self-imposed pressures and unrealistic expectations
• Have Better Self Care of rest, exercise, diet, meditation and mindfulness to increase your energy, positive mood and reduce fear of the future

BEING KINDER TO OTHERS CREATES A RIPPLE OF POSITIVE CHANGE

• Creates Collective Well-Being with small acts of kindness, increasing morality and cooperation
• Builds a Culture of Generosity by paying it forward, with a spirit of support and generosity
• Fosters Connection and Belonging, creating a supportive network during difficult times
• Increases Empathy and Compassion, providing more support and help
• Contributes To A Sense of Purpose when you lift others up and see positive change occur
• Promotes Others Positive Behavior when they see and emulate kindness, increasing harmony.

How does this work for you? Reach out if you’d like more of this for yourself.

*Credit and thanks for the quote goes to Neil Griggs, Buddhist practitioner at the Shambala Center in Lexington, KY.