Courage to be Kind: The Surprising Power and Benefits of Kindness (2024)

Courage to be Kind: The Surprising Power and Benefits of Kindness

We all know we should be kinder, yet many opportunities to do so escape us. But did you know that we are also wired towards kindness? Doing good makes us and others feel good. Kindness is powerful with research showing that being kind boosts your energy and happiness, and even increases your lifespan, preventing pain and anxiety.

Genuine and authentic kindness takes courage. Though many might see it as a softer skill, it requires empathy, intention, and commitment. With the year we’ve had and the changes ahead, practicing kindness can help us as we re-learn to connect, show up for one another, and be a force for good in the world. Still, kindness is something you can get good at. The more you do it, the more you build up your compassion muscle. In this PurposeCast, Vic Strecher will speak with Brandon Peele to explore ways to build your kindness muscle, both to harness its benefits and to bridge differences with others.

Brandon Peele is a trusted keynote speaker, consultant, and program leader working with organizations such as Google, Johnson & Johnson, and Stanford. He is a best-selling author, impact entrepreneur, and expert in purpose, leadership + culture. Brandon is the founder of Unity Lab which empowers organizations to create cultures of purpose, empathy, and trust

Key takeaways from this PurposeCast:

  • Learn the physical and psychological benefits of kindness in every aspect of life including work, personal relationships, health, and wellness
  • How kindness promotes social connection and bridges differences
  • Everyday opportunities to leverage purpose to cultivate kindness and make it contagious

About PurposeCast

PurposeCast is a series of conversations highlighting purpose-driven thought leaders, experts, and innovators. Through their stories, get a glimpse into their journeys and gain insights and actionable tips for yourself. Learn how they harnessed their purpose to live bigger lives and how you can too.

Speakers

Vic Strecher, PhD, MPH

CEO and Chief Purpose Officer, Kumanu

Vic Strecher is professor of Public Health, founder of the Center for Health Communications Research, and Director for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan. In 2015, Vic launched Kumanu, leading a paradigm shift in how individuals engage in the pursuit of purpose, meaning, and wellbeing. As CEO and chief purpose officer, Vic leads the company as well as its world-class Scientific Advisory Board.

Courage to be Kind: The Surprising Power and Benefits of Kindness (2)

Brandon Peele

Unifier, Activator, Author, Speaker, Unity Lab

Brandon Peele is a trusted keynote speaker, consultant, and program leader working with organizations such as Google, Johnson & Johnson, and Stanford. He is a best-selling author, impact entrepreneur, and expert in purpose, leadership + culture. Brandon is founder of Unity Lab which empowers organizations to create cultures of purpose, empathy, and trust. In so doing, organizations improve innovation, productivity, social and emotional health, civil discourse, and a functioning democracy.

Courage to be Kind: The Surprising Power and Benefits of Kindness (2024)

FAQs

What does it take courage to be kind mean? ›

Genuine and authentic kindness takes courage. Though many might see it as a softer skill, it requires empathy, intention, and commitment. With the year we've had and the changes ahead, practicing kindness can help us as we re-learn to connect, show up for one another, and be a force for good in the world.

What does the quote have courage and be kind mean? ›

“Have courage and be kind.” This is Cinderella's motto in the 2015 film. In the movie, this motto shows kindness as lowering your defenses and offering a friendly, helping hand to those around you. The theme is reiterated by Cinderellas's character through genuine kindness and vulnerability.

How does the power of kindness impact your life and others? ›

Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.

What does kindness is courageous mean? ›

One of the most underrated qualities of kindness is the courage that it takes to stand for someone other than yourself. Having the generosity of spirit to recognize the obstacles and others and support them as a caregiver – that takes courage. It's courageous to be selfless.

What does the Bible mean by be kind? ›

Kindness is selfless, compassionate, and merciful; its greatest power revealed in practice to our enemies and amongst the least of these. Love your neighbor; show kindness to EVERYONE. For a perfect emblem of Biblical kindness, we need look no further than Jesus.

What is the power of kindness? ›

Showing kindness is known to help us build social bonds, increase trust and acceptance in our relationships, and increase our overall happiness(1-3). The really amazing thing about kindness is that the more kindness you give, the more you get in return.

How do people benefit from kindness? ›

People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer. Kindness can increase your sense of connectivity with others, decrease loneliness, combat low mood and improve relationships. It also can be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds.

What is the true meaning of kindness? ›

Kindness is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful. We have been treated with such kindness by everybody. Synonyms: goodwill, understanding, charity, grace More Synonyms of kindness.

What are the spiritual benefits of being kind? ›

Kindness creates bridges, builds hope, and fosters gratitude. This loving act heals relationships and transforms lives. It's easy to stay in our habits, our comfort zones of busyness and self-focus.

Why is kindness a superpower? ›

Bertrand concluded by saying that by making kindness your superpower, you will have the ability to bring a positive change to others and to inspire more people to follow suit in spreading kindness throughout their lives. The world needs more kindness heroes. We need more heroes like you.

What does it mean when someone says take courage? ›

To be resolute in difficult circ*mstances. synonym ▲ Synonym: take heart.

What does kind and courageous mean? ›

To be courteous is to be polite and respectful whereas to be kind means to do a selfless act for somebody.

Where did have courage and be kind come from? ›

As Cinderella's mother hovers close to death, she attempts to comfort her devastated, young daughter. Her “famous last words” become just that: “Have courage, and be kind.” It's one of my favorites. Randy and I were living in Columbia, South Carolina, when Matthew and Katie were born.

What does it take to be a person of courage? ›

To be courageous means that you are able to act even when fearful. Additionally, the more you face your fears, the more you can replace your fear-based response with a courageous one. In fact, one of the best ways to be courageous is to understand what you're afraid of and then overcome it.

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