You Can Heal the World

What you do and say has the power to heal or harm. We each have the power to heal the part of the world we are in with kindness. And other people follow your example, spreading healing beyond yourself. So, to heal the world, be Kind.

Continuing to look at ways to be kind in the world we return to the book We Can Be Kind, Healing Our World One Kindness at a Time, by David Friedman. We are surrounded the unkindness, in a world that seems to have forgotten how to care for each other. It is up to us as individuals to make a difference, right where we are. No government or organization can do it without each of us taking responsibility for our own part of the world. So let's be kind.

1. When someone wants to pick a fight with you, just refuse to fight and see what happens. Usually people who want to fight are really afraid of being attacked or of losing something. When you don't fight and instead seek to find what they are afraid of losing, you can move to problem solving instead of fighting. Be kind.
2. When you encounter a service person who is being nasty, respond with kindness and see what happens. He or she is a person just like you and may be very frustrated or afraid or worried that they are going to be attacked. They may be all prepared to deal with a nasty customer. So be kind. Stay calm and focused. Lower the negative energy. Empathize.
3. If you are having a problem with someone, find out what they want to make it right. Then be kind and do everything you can to make it right. That is the true act of kindness.
4. In an upsetting situation, look for ways to be empathic. Let the other person know you understand their frustration, or whatever, and sympathise. You might be the only person who brings a positive attitude to them!
5. Are you having a fight with someone? Stop and ask, "What are we fighting for? We're both nice people. There must be a way to work this out." That act of kindness could bring peace to the moment, and beyond.
6. When you deal with someone who has opposing views, don't attack or treat them unkindly no matter how they treat you. Show them kindness and respect their right to their own opinion. Don't feed the fire. Good advice in these conflictual times.
7. Have you ever witnessed abuse of a child or animal and wondered what you should do? Unless it would obviously put you in danger, step in to stop it, or at least report it. The saying "See something, say something" works here. Often, just interrupting the behavior will stop the abuse or extreme unkindness.
8. How do you deal with other people's prejudice? First you need to be aware of your own prejudices and work to confront them. Beyond that, when you see prejudic behavior or hear prejudice remarks about a partiular group of people, SAY SOMETHING..Let them know it is noticed and is unkind. Speak kindly, not meanly. And don't get into an argument about it.
9. Being physically affectionate is a wonderful way to show kindness. A kind touch can mean so much, especially in this age of digital separation. Always be aware of how the other person feels about touch. Remember that so many have been physically abused that an unwanted touch can be unkind. So if you aren't sure, ask. Be kind.
10. When dealing with a problem that is too big for you to solve, ask yourself "What one thing might I do to express my viewpoint and create a condition where kindness can prevail. 
11. If we want to make a difference in the world we must practice what we preach. Of course express you belief. But to make a difference we must behave in a way that shows you not only talk the talk, but you also walk the walk. 

Being kind is not always easy. But if we want to make a positive difference in the world, if we want to make a kinder world, then we must make the effort to practice kindness. If you are going to commit to making the world more kind, do it! Read David Friedman's book.

Take on the task of intentional kindness. It will help others to be kind as well.

It all begins with each of us.

Be kind.