POWER OF KINDNESS
POWER OF KINDNESS
The power that drives the world to best
KINDNESS
We help others and expect a return. We think of it as kindness. What if they are not able to return?
Some people try to be nice on face but hiding their reality. They call this behavior kindness….
Kindness is not about helping the poor, giving charity and expecting returns. Let's dive deep into the topic.
Kindness is a contagious emotion i.e when we greet someone with a smile, they tend to be nice throughout the conversation. Compassionate kindness is where empathy meets action. It is the emotion which saves the world, spreads love, softens hearts, builds strong relations and gives hope. Kindness can be a word which shows love. It can be a smile or a verbal kindness.
Kindness in Islam
"And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace."
— (Surah Al-Furqan 25:63)
This verse of surah Furqan shows the character of true believers or ibadur-rahman(servants of the most merciful). True believers are modest, not arrogant. When someone provokes them, they do not respond harshly.
"Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing."
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:263)
This verse of surah baqarah shows that speaking kindly is far more valuable than charity.
Also shows that being kind and patience bring greater reward from Allah.
Hence the Quran teaches us to embody kindness. As it is the quality of true believers.
Kindness in Hinduism
Dharma is a Sanskrit word which means duty or righteousness. It is the fundamental pillar of Hinduism, buddhism and sikhism.
Dharma guides how to act in every aspect of life based on their role.
This religion also defines kindness as the quality of divine nature. The act of not harming any living being is kindness in islam and is ahimsa in hinduism.
The act of helping others is kindness in islam and is seva in hinduism.
In every religion whether it is islam, hinduism, buddhism, jainism or sikhism kindness is the act that leads us to good karma and spiritual growth.
According to Science
Science proved that kindness stimulates our brain to release dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin(love hormone). These hormones lower blood pressure, improve overall mood, reduce stress and help to get better sleep.
Generous acts reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and strengthen the prefrontal cortex.
The humans prefrontal cortex(responsible for empathy and decision making) is more active with regular kindness.
Kind people have higher levels of antibodies than rude people.
Compassionate kindness increases the level of endorphin(natural pain killer).
Study (Stanford, 2015) found students with a kind heart have higher self- esteem and the best academic record.
Study in Harvard-2016 researched on kindness and found better heart health of kind people.
A study in mayo clinic-2020 found that helping others reduces anxiety and depression.
Being nice to others increases the length of telomere which slows down the process of aging.
Our society also appreciates kindness but some people believe that being too kind is one’s weakness. How could it be a weakness when it has extraordinary power? It not only builds respectful character but also benefits us physically, mentally and spiritually.