Find generosity and mercy in life cracks

Searching for random kindness works more convincing than I realized. Initially, the idea was rejected as an attractive poster, but there is more material than I originally thought. It turns out that it makes a difference – and a tangible difference in the quality of our lives, both for the granting of random and future actions. Impressive search: it can help reduce depression and anxietyIt stimulates serotonin, and produces OxytocinIt is useful if you feel anxious or shy In the social situation, it increases the feeling Self -value. At this will, it is worth reciting the idea.

My favorite studies by psychologist Gillian Sandsrom, whose research showed that just a smile could make a difference. When she was a student, alone and lived in a new city, while she was walking from one chapter to another, a woman selling hot dogs passed from a vehicle. She did not buy a hot dog, but she was smiling and waving. The woman was responding with a smile and wave. I noticed that when the woman saw, I felt better.

The brief reaction and without words made the difference more than you realized. The sandstorm felt improved when the woman saw. She launched this research, which showed that we have happiness Indeed, our physical health improves with social interaction.

Many of my patients and students wonder what they can do to make a change in these preserved times, so I tell the story of Lady Hot Dog. Many of us want to do something huge, and it is a surprise that it can be simple like a smile and a warm welcome.

We know that this kindness can help in isolation and Feeling lonelyWhich is in the proportions of the epidemic, but it seems that it can also help in losing and sadness. I do not know about you, but my life during the past few years has been full of loss, disease, aging and death. I heard this story a few weeks ago, narrated contemplation Teacher Tara Brash. It is based on a true story.

In the fall of 1923, the writer Franz Kafka was walking in a garden. He was sick and had no longer live. He was stopped because a little girl cries. She lost her favorite doll. He tried to help her find her, but he couldn’t.

Since Kafka was the main stories narrator, he told The Little Girl that the doll was far from a journey and that she would write about her adventure. He arranged to meet her again, explaining that he was the postman and would offer messages.

He composed a letter from the doll and read it to her: “Please do not worry. I’m fine. I went on a journey to see the world. I will tell you about my adventures.”

This is the beginning of many messages that separate imagined adventures. However, Kafka had increased disease and realized that he would not be able to continue meetings. I brought her a new doll with a note saying: “I have returned. My trips have changed me.”

After many years, as the story says, the girl who has now grown a note hidden in an incision in the doll cover found. He said: “You will lose everyone you love, but love will return in a new form.”

While I respond to the ongoing losses in my life, I return to the idea of ​​kindness and Generosity. Can you provide space for what is difficult and sad in your life, as it allows space for kindness and generosity?