The kindness you may have missed

Photo: Pouya Hajiebrahimi on Unsplash

Hey friends,

Can you think of the last time someone did something small and kind for you? Did you recognize it, or did you let it pass without a thought?

Researchers at the Greater Good Science Center recently wrote about "felt love," the receiving side of love. Their point is that the same act of care can pass right by us or warm us, depending on the story we tell ourselves about it.

In a survey of 495 people, the top answer for what makes people feel loved was being shown compassion in hard times. In a 28-day study of 52 people, those who expressed more love to others also tended to feel more loved. That's a link, not proof of cause, and the researchers don't yet know why it happens.

Something to try this week: when someone is kind to you, notice if you receive the gift of it. Let it count, even a little. And on the flip side, once this week, offer some compassion to someone having a hard time. A short text is enough.

My book, Built This Way: Why Painful Patterns Repeat and How to Change Them, has a whole chapter devoted to amplifying goodness.  If you're interested, it's on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX91KTBP/

Tell me about a small kindness you caught because of this post. Here's one for you: thank you for being part of this community.

Wishing you abundant health, happiness, and prosperity,
Mark