The Fact of Universal Kindness Makes All the Difference: As one response to challenging situations in the world at large, and maybe in our personal development and our lives, I invite us to remember the fact (and it is a fact), of universal kindness. I have noticed the kindnesses around me recently, and they are like a gentle balm for the soul, and I’d like to offer this as life advice for your consideration in these challenging times.Though perhaps hard to remember at times, helping and kindness are natural human responses, across cultures and situations. I was recently inspired by this UCLA study about just how much and how often people around the world respond to requests for help: how they are cooperating, minute to minute, day after day. “The findings suggest that being helpful is an ingrained reflex in the human species”. How encouraging is that! It opens and softens my heart and makes me smile, outside and in :-). Have a read and see how it affects you. I’d love to know. We’re in this together.
In a related essay, Rick Hanson writes: “The nervous system has evolved what’s called a “negativity bias” that routinely scans for bad news. Then the brain fixates on it with tunnel vision. This may aid immediate survival but not long-term well-being and healthy relationships…(Yet…) the vast majority of human acts each day are constructive: making meals, tending to children, saying hello, restraining anger, completing tasks, planting seeds, teaching, healing, nurturing, cooperating, smiling, and on and on it goes. Recognizing this truth is comforting and inspiring.” Even when we look at a bigger picture than we often observe, we see universal kindness and helpfulness. 
I also take heart from those who are standing up, speaking out, looking for and implementing solutions to the many challenges we face. In this vein, I suggest Rebecca Solnit’s recent article about the dangers of defeatism. Taking heart and taking action go hand in hand! More life advice, and an excellent piece at that.
Let’s allow our lives be guided by the words first of Swiss philosopher Henri Amiel, “Life is short. And we do not have long to gladden the hearts of those who walk the way with us. So let us be swift to love and let us make haste to be kind.”
I really enjoy sharing these inspirations with you, and musing about thoughtful ways of being in this miraculous, mysterious world, and living these amazing, unique and precious lives we have been given. Feel free to share any links or insights, or life advice. Personal development is more fun done together!
Warmest greetings, and wishes for your/our collective health and well-being,
Jill
Posts on/around the topic of universal kindness you might also enjoy:
• Questions of worth and value: What about deserving? I treasure this quote from the Daily Om: “The question of whether anyone we, or anyone else, deserve something is not really in our jurisdiction…simply shift(ing) into a state of gratitude, bypasses the question of worthiness altogether.”
• Be Kind, a reprise and motivation: “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” Henry James
• Good or Evil? People want to be good and kind unless they are feeling threatened. Do you agree?
