Because You Have To Be Kind?
At present, it seems that kindness is in danger of extinction, especially in large cities. This has an anthropological explanation, since large concentrations of population generate greater tensions and promote impersonal treatment. In fact, it is one of those factors that hinders the psychological and emotional health in those spaces.
There are many places where, for example, greeting the neighbor is something strange. It is assumed as a waste of time, or an unnecessary flattery. Everyone is going to their own. In this type of luagres the gestures of kindness of others are not valued, being more prone to the people who inhabit there developing problems related to anxiety, depression or difficulties to cope with life with good attitude.
"Kindness is like a pillow, that although it has nothing inside, at least it cushions the ravages of life".
-Arthur Schopenhauer-
Even within the same families sometimes those affectionate gestures are lost, due to daily dealings and excessive trust. Now, expressions of kindness are not a luxury, but a way of life that is imprinted in relationships with others. They nourish positive emotions and protect us from negative ones.
The kindness gene
Science has shown that we all come to the world with a built-in kindness gene. In other words, we are a species that needs others to survive and we have the biological mark of it. Altruism and cooperation have been decisive for the human being to have evolved.
Some studies show that since 6 months children already express friendly behavior towards others. They make choices between closing or opening up to others. They often choose to interact and be generous with others. They are also very receptive to expressions of kindness.
Therefore, the natural thing is that we are pleasant with others. The lack of kindness is the result of a civilization that promotes individualism to the extreme. We go against our inner self when we see others as perfect strangers who have nothing to do with us.
Kindness is a strength
Kindness is a highly elaborate attitude. It implies self-control, self-confidence, empathy, appreciation of others and awareness of the relationship between the individual and the group. It is also a huge force within social relationships. Much more is gained by being kind, than by indolence or dryness in the deal.
A kind person is someone with developed emotional intelligence. It is one of those attitudes that are contagious. The usual thing is that someone kind generates kindness and goodwill around them. This is an excellent way to prevent conflicts, or to prevent them from taking on large dimensions.
Kindness promotes good character. It means expressing affection and consideration for others, without neglecting ourselves. It is an attitude capable of soothing someone furious and comforting those who are sad. For something kindness is a word that comes from the Latin amabilis, which means: worthy to be loved.
The benefits of kindness
If we start from the fact that we are social beings and naturally predisposed to cooperate with others, what is at issue then is not to learn to be kind, but to unlearn the behaviors of hostility or indifference. Worth it.
The advantages of kindness are enormous. These are some of them:
- Protects physical health A kind person has fewer conflicts with others and with the world. This, in cerebral terms, implies less production of cortisol and more oxytocin (the "happiness" hormone) available.
- Preserves mental health Being kind to another stabilizes our state of mind and prevents states of stress and anxiety. Acts of kindness make us feel better about ourselves. They make us more confident and confident.
- Contribute to good social relations. Kindness takes us out of self-absorption and helps us connect with others. Nourish environments to be more collaborative and welcoming. Help everything to flow properly.
- It is a protection mechanism against the "bad vibes" of others. Kindness has the power to deactivate negative attitudes in others. To that extent, it is a barrier and an effective response against aggressions and rejections.
Before finishing, it is important to clarify. Being kind is not being servile. Nor get used to "turn the other cheek". Rather it is a style of behavior and communication, which reaffirms the person taking care not to pass over anyone, or to be insensitive to others.
