Kindness is key to health and wellness

As we enter the secular new year I would like to explore the concept of kindness, a key element of health and wellness.

We hear a lot about kindness and I believe that kindness is a building block of communication that promotes health and healing.

Communication takes many forms. It is verbal, non-verbal and energy driven. We can feel the positive or negative energy of others even when the words don’t match what we see and feel.

Statistics show kindness significantly boosts health and longevity. It lowers stress, strengthens immunity, improves mood, reduces pain, and increases overall happiness.

In The American Psychological Association, apa.org, Kara Abrams authored the article, “The Case For Kindness: Kindness toward others can boost our own physical and mental health.”

Abrams writes, “Being kind is not only the right thing to do—it’s also good for our physical and mental health. Psychologists have found that performing acts of generosity boosts happiness and well-being and is even linked to physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure.” (see sources cited in article)

Think about a kindness you have recently given or received. What were the effects of giving or receiving that act of kindness, short-term and long-term? Those kind moments stay with us and when we focus on them, they can increase our hope and our joy.

Rabbi Shraga Simmons shares a story in Aish.com in the article "Acts of Human Kindness" that illustrates kindness and its effect. Here is the story as the rabbi tells it:

“The story is told of a tzaddik at home one day when he hears a knock at the door. The tzaddik opens the door and finds a homeless man standing there. "Can I have a dollar for some food?" he asks. So, he does what any good tzaddik would do: Hurries to find his wallet, rushes to give the beggar the dollar, and quickly sends him on his way.

The homeless man is already halfway down the street when he hears someone calling after him, "Wait, wait!" He turns around to see the tzaddik waving, who then hands the beggar another dollar.

Upon returning home, the tzaddik's wife is standing in the doorway astonished.

"I'll explain," he says. "When I first opened the door and saw a smelly, raggedy, grimy man standing in front of me, I felt uncomfortable. I ran to get the dollar because I wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible. But after he'd left, I realized that I didn't give him the dollar for him, I gave him the dollar for me – because I felt uncomfortable. So, I wanted to give a second dollar – this time for him!”

Rabbi Shraga Simmons reflects on this story and writes, “Chesed means reaching out altruistically, with love and generosity to all… For in the words of King David (Psalms 89:3): Olam chesed yi-baneh – "the world is built on kindness."

Here’s to your health and wellness… and kindness!

PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an award-winning radio producer, business owner and leader. She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Her “Positive Living with Patricia Raskin” podcast can be heard on voiceamerica.com.