Most of us aspire to live our lives with kindness in all we say and do. Kindness is associated with attributes like being friendly, generous, helpful and considerate. These traits are not only admirable but are also essential for any cooperative society to thrive. |
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However, kindness may be taken to an extreme or skewed either consciously or unconsciously. In these instances, kindness plays out in ways that can be unhealthy, toxic or even weaponized. |
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Awareness of how kindness can go awry and hurt others as well as ourselves can help guide us on our path to becoming our best and truly kindest selves. |
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Unhealthy Kindness If we forget, or intentionally disregard, our own physical and emotional needs when we are in service to others, our outwardly directed kindness can seriously compromise our health and well-being. |
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We will burn out and become totally ineffective. After all, no one can pour from an empty cup! |
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Toxic Kindness Kindness becomes toxic when its primary focus is to keep others happy and comfortable. We might let people treat us poorly, take advantage of us, or overstep our boundaries just to keep the peace or avoid conflict. |
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When we're caught up in toxic kindness, we are more likely to sacrifice ourselves to relationships, jobs or other situations that are destructive to us physically, mentally and emotionally. Weaponized Kindness |
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Memes like “make our community kind again" may crossover into a form of gaslighting. Such memes become weapons when they're used to shut down uncomfortable but necessary communications by legitimizing only "nice" interactions. Discounting strong expressions of anger, frustration or resistance further victimizes oppressed people by silencing their justified pushback to situations that threaten their well-being or even their survival. |
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Being Authentically Kind To be authentically kind requires a level of discernment and mindfulness that takes us beyond the simple meme "be kind." In addition to qualities like friendliness, generosity, helpfulness and consideration, real kindness also needs to include a commitment to self-care as a priority; knowing and honoring our values and boundaries; and, embracing strong emotions, difficult confrontations and hard conversations with an open mind and a compassionate heart.
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As we progress on our own healing journey, as we expand our personal awareness, strengthen our self-esteem and amplify our confidence, we become better equipped to express genuine kindness in our lives more consistently. |
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Would you like support on your healing journey? |
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Reiki / healing energy sessions offered at Resilience are all about empowering the very best in us physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Whether or not you are able to come to the Resilience healing space, healing support is available for you. Resilience offers both |
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Do you have a companion animal who could benefit from Reiki / healing energy? Resilience also offers FREE distance sessions for animals. |
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CAVEAT: Though Reiki / healing energy is a powerful healing modality, it is important to remember that it is NOT a substitute for, but rather is complementary to, conventional medical treatment. Always consult a licensed medical/veterinary professional if you have concerns about your/your animal's physical or emotional health. |
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Thank you
for your business!
Sue Aumer
Usui Holy Fire® III Reiki Master / energy worker
"The wound is the place where light enters you." -Rumi Holy Fire® is a registered service mark of William Lee Rand. |
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