Thursday, February 17, 2011

Kindness is actually Healthy?!?!

One of my favorite resources for inspiration to LIVE WELL is Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston, and wanted to share an exerpt that struck a chord with me. We all know the basics of wellness, and hopefully try to implement these principles in our daily lives; such as eating healthy and whole foods, getting plenty of exercise, and taking care of our bodies and our world around us. But this particular PILLAR of wellness described by Kathy is especially interesting:

"... Giving of ourselves makes us feel better in our bodies, too. We feel a rush of euphoria, which is then followed by a sense of calm and fulfillment. This rush is accompanied by a release of endorphins, which provide a sense of emotional well-being. Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book The Power of Intention, points to research that says, 'a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that the persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results.' So everyone involved, the giver, the receiver, and the observer are engaged in positive ways when kindness is extended."

In sum, simply being kind to others not only benefits those we are kind to, but ourselves (our minds and our bodies) as well! And remember, what goes around, comes around! Generously extend kindness and you will receive it back, over and over and over... Think of how much healthier we will be just by being kind to others. It's a wonderful step on our Journey to Wellness!

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