According to Stress Relief expert, Lauren E. Miller, scientific studies show that there are several benefits to kindness and gratitude that include increased immune system, improved cognitive performance, increased energy, lower heart rate, and balanced cortisol levels resulting in less internal stress.
So how can we build up this area of meaningful connections? One of the best ways to increase something is to give it to others unconditionally, freely, and graciously. Give it and you will see an increase of it in your own life. Want more love? Give more love. Want more kindness? Show more kindness. Want more support? Be more supportive.
There are so many ways you can show support and kindness to the people you encounter. If you are looking for resources check out some of the Random Acts of Kindness pages. What better way to give fully without any expectations, than to give randomly and anonymously.
The second part to this is building deeper relationships. By being true to ourselves, we can attract people into our lives that will love us fully for who we are. Relationships take time to deepen, but once you have found a true friend or partner you will know it for sure.
Unfortunately, there are times when we must sift through our friends and decide those worth keeping. This does not mean dumping the rest out like the trash, but it may mean spending less time and energy on unhealthy or expired relationships. If this is the case, then you may also heed the advice of the quote by Dinah Craik and “with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.” It is never easy, but there certainly are times we have to step away from relationships that are hurtful or we have outgrown. Doing so with love and kindness is important. Everyone deserves this.
Would you like more support with a transitioning relationship? Check out Episode #1 on Whole Woman, Whole You TV for my interview with Meg Haines on “Friendship Turnover” or contact me directly at Whole Woman, Whole You.