Some people feel that kindness is underrated, if not completely forgotten, right now. But I believe kindness is one of the most powerful (if sometimes hidden) forces in an undeniably interdependent world.
Once we shift our worldview to begin seeing our natural interdependence, kindness reinforces everything around us.
Using Nature as a metaphor, kindness is a form of mycelium. Mycelium is a fungi network that connects plants and trees to share nutrients and information in the forest. This unique fungus is very similar to the interstitial tissue in our bodies. Interstitial tissue is a connection and transportation system for nutrients among organs, cells, and capillaries that support immune regulation.
Nature and our bodies have processes and structures to support connections in complex and dynamic systems. These powerful metaphors help us understand why the act of being kind has the same connecting effect on our human social systems.
3 Ways Kindness Strengthens Connection
Recently, I experienced a random act of kindness. I was waiting in line at a takeout place. As the person ahead of me went to check out, they told the cashier they wanted to pay for my sandwich, too! I had my credit card out, ready to pay for my order, but he persisted with his decision to pay for us both.
I didn’t know this person, but their random act made me feel an unexpected moment of gratitude and kindness. I felt connected to this stranger.
- Kindness grows trust. Like mycelium, kindness is an act that flows through our connection with others and creates conditions conducive to trust. The conditions needed to help trust grow require contact. These conditions bring us together in a shared moment. Over time, just like when the stranger bought my sandwich, these moments end up in trust.
- Kindness powers relationships. When we are kind to each other, something literally changes inside us. Instead of needing to protect ourselves from mean or self-serving behavior, we are given the experience of connection. Relationships are critical to survival because interdependence means everyone is connected. When we reach out with kindness, we support our “inter” connection; we don’t fight against it. That is because connection is a relational concept.
- Kindness creates abundance. It doesn’t have to cost anything other than a predisposition to show up with the intent of being kind. Therefore, there are no limits to the expression of kindness. It can happen anywhere and with anyone: on the subway, in a business meeting, with our families, and in any interaction.
Diversity and Kindness
In Nature, old-growth forests, mature prairies, and mature coral reefs are ecosystems filled with diversity. Mutualistic relationships form through these diverse relationships. This is the foundation of interdependence and a resilient and generous system designed to regenerate.
Unfortunately, political rhetoric has turned mean during this U.S. election season and as a manifest culture of our political dialogue. Meanness causes separation, and it’s unnatural for us. We can choose kindness right now to strengthen our world. It works in Nature, within us, and in our society. It might just take some time.
Peace and love,
Kathy
Looooove this! Thank you Kathy.
I appreciate elevating the power and impacts of kindness. Case to support your point: I saw a candidate’s ad yesterday stressing working together, propping up its value and importance -the first of its kind that I’ve seen in awhile. It gave me a glimmer of hope that the ‘’mean-ness tide’ will turn.
Lead with kindness
Mary Ann,
Thanks for sharing that you loved this blog. I think kindness is incredibly important today!
Thank you so much, Kathy! My message is spot on and inspiring—especially as I’m calling individuals to GOTV for this election and listening to their comments.