Radical Kindness To Everyone, Are You Brave Enough?

Amy Taylor March 08, 2013

Every one of us wants to be treated nicely, kindly, and with respect. But is everybody willing to do the same for others?

The social reciprocity theory tells us that we treat others in a way others treat us. So if you want to be treated kindly by people around you, you must also be able to treat them kindly. But for most people, being nice to everyone can be a difficult challenge. Well, it shouldn’t be. According to scientists, being kind is hardwired in our brain. Plenty of research suggests that human beings, by nature, are compassionate. And our ‘humanitarian’ instinct is driven by our innate need for survival. Back in the ancient times, people chose to live in peace and harmony because they know they need each other to survive from the threats of the jungle. They need to stay in groups so when wild animals arrive, someone is going to protect them. Outcast individuals never survived.

Radical Kindness – Are You Brave Enough?

It’s easy to be kind if people are being kind to you too. But what if they are being rude and disrespectful – would you still repay them with kindness? That’s what radical kindness is all about. Psychologists define it as a purposeful and serious commitment to treat everyone, regardless of who they are, with kindness. Yes, that means even if you don’t know that person, or that person has hurt you in the past, you still show them kindness.

Are you brave enough to practise radical kindness?

Maybe you have experienced lending a hand to somebody but after helping them out, they just ignored you and didn’t even say ‘thank you’! That can really be infuriating but practising radical kindness is perfectly possible! How?

The rule is this – just be kind, period. No buts, no ifs. But being radically kind doesn’t mean you should allow others to take advantage of you. Being kind doesn’t mean you have to ignore being hurt or abused by other people. Certainly, everything has a limit. Also, showing radical kindness doesn’t mean you have to spoon-feed everyone. You have to know when to help them, and when not to. You can’t be everybody’s superhero and save them from all their miseries. Your aim is to make situations as peaceful as possible, help reduce tensions between people and groups, and be inspire others to be kind, just like you.

What can radical kindness do to you?

A growing body of research in positive psychology suggests that being compassionate is the key to happiness and good health. Speaking of good health, showing acts of kindness triggers your brain to release serotonin – the hormone that helps regulate mood, anxiety and stress. Studies found that kindness results to a significant improvement of the immune system, a critical aspect of a healthy body. What’s even more surprising and fascinating is that people who regularly receive kindness also develop stronger immune system. Isn’t that amazing? You’re not just improving your health but also the health of other people!

Random acts of kindness also promote happiness and well-being – our summum bonum – our ultimate end. Basically, people who show kindness or compassion naturally feel good. According to experts, these people experience the so-called ‘helper’s high’ – an intense feeling of exhilaration and energy boost, followed by calmness and serenity, which we often experience whenever we exercise. Vast research reveals that people who show kindness are less likely to suffer from chronic stress, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and many other illnesses. It also makes them happier and more fulfilled.

Dear Readers,

Have you ever tried helping a stranger? How did it feel? Do you think showing radical kindness can greatly improve your physical and mental health?

Share your comments below!