In our human journey, it's often in our darkest moments that we find the greatest opportunities for connection and purpose.
When life feels heavy and we’re at our lowest, reaching out and showing kindness to others can be a powerful way to heal ourselves.
Saint Francis of Assisi captured this beautifully with his wisdom, "For it is in giving that we receive."
This timeless truth reminds us that when we shift our focus from our own struggles to helping others, we often find a way back to our own sense of peace and light.
By offering compassion and support to those around us, we not only make their lives better but also nourish our own souls. In these acts of kindness, we uncover a deeper sense of connection and a renewed sense of purpose.
It’s through giving that we truly receive, finding hope and healing in the process.
The beauty of this practice is in its simplicity and the profound impact it has on both the giver and the receiver.
When we’re caught up in our own struggles, reaching out to help someone else can become a beacon of hope for both parties.
This isn’t just spiritual wisdom; it’s a truth backed by psychological research. Studies show that engaging in acts of kindness releases endorphins, our brain’s natural painkillers.
Helping others also enhances our sense of belonging, reduces feelings of isolation, and helps us put our own problems into perspective, all of which contribute to better mental health.
By giving, we receive so much more in return. It’s a simple yet powerful way to find hope and healing, both for ourselves and those we touch with our kindness.
One person that came to mind for me as I’m writing this is the founder of The Unstoppable Foundation, Cynthia Kersey. I watched a video interview with her a few years ago and in it, she told the story of how heartbroken she was when her marriage broke down and how it was suggested to her that doing something for others could help her out of her own pain. Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity said to her, "When you have a great pain in your life, you need a greater purpose". So she started The Unstoppable Foundation, and that deserves an article all of its own!
I became involved with Unstoppable from that moment on. However, life and
a few other events meant that my regular donation had lapsed and I hadn’t realised and renewed it. I was sitting on my sofa one evening feeling very sad and alone and the thought of Cynthia’s story popped into my head. I decided that it was about time to start thinking of others again and I went online and renewed and upped my donation.
That wasn’t the end of it though. A few days later, again on the sofa and feeling even more fed up and rather desperate, I got a phone call. It was 10.30 pm and I didn’t recognise the number. Normally there was no way I would have answered it but something inside me pushed my finger towards that green answer button and it was Janet, a Sr. Partnership Manager at Unstoppable calling to thank me for my small donation. Once we got talking she said that there was something inside her telling her to make the call. Her internet wasn’t working but she felt like she had to keep trying. We spoke for over an hour and I cried and told her my sad story. It was the start of a friendship and it’s my privilege to spend time raising awareness for this amazing foundation. It is my goal to work with them even more in the future.
It can be as simple as volunteering a few hours at a local shelter, where the act of providing a meal or a warm conversation to someone experiencing homelessness can illuminate the interconnectedness of our human journey. Each small act of giving, each moment of shared humanity, can be a balm for both the soul in need and the one extending a hand.
Another practical application is through the practice of "random acts of kindness," which can range from paying for the coffee of the person behind you in line to leaving a heartfelt note for someone who might need a boost. These seemingly small gestures can ripple through the community, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.
Then there's the spiritual practice of Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, which begins with cultivating compassion for oneself and then extending it outward to others, even to all living beings. This practice acknowledges that we cannot pour from an empty cup and highlights the reciprocal nature of compassion: in wishing well for others, we find our own inner peace and happiness.
By incorporating acts of service into our lives, especially during our low moments, we engage in a sacred exchange.
We affirm the value of our shared human experience and recognize that within the vast web of life, every act of kindness, no matter how small, can spark healing and transformation.
The journey toward healing and wholeness isn’t a solitary one; it’s enriched by our connections with others.
When we’re hurting, it’s natural to want to isolate ourselves, but extending our hearts and hands in service helps us uplift those around us and rediscover our own light.
This proves that the path out of darkness is paved with acts of love and kindness. Through these connections, we find that our own healing is intertwined with the healing we bring to others.
In lesson 2 from the world’s biggest happiness study, 2024 World Happiness Report, Michael Easter talks in this article about how helping others raises our happiness levels. His other 4 takeaways from the report are well worth reading too.