When the Weather is Cold, Kindness Becomes Even More Crucial
Kindness does not just bring warmth and light into the lives of others, but it also heals many hearts, mending wounds and fostering a sense of peace, unity and care.
Dancing, much like I do, can indeed serve as a great source of joy and a means of maintaining inner-peace, but it's important to remember that it is not the only way to cultivate these positive emotions. There are various other actions and interactions we engage in daily that can have a substantial impact on our mood and overall emotional well-being. Perhaps you begin your day filled with happiness and optimism, but the sting of unkind words or the weight of hurtful actions can swiftly rain on your parade. Once this joy is lost, it can prove quite challenging to reclaim.
The cultivation and preservation of true and lasting joy needs kindness. In the present days, we find ourselves in the midst of a Canadian winter, where temperatures have plummeted below freezing across the country, reaching lows of -40 and even -50 in some regions. This severe weather can create numerous obstacles in day-to-day life. Cars refuse to start, icy conditions prevent people from commuting to work, accidents are more common, machinery malfunctions, health problems, and property damage is an ever-present threat. Amid these trying conditions, hurtful words can inflict even deeper wounds. The bitter cold introduces an element of vulnerability that can push individuals to their breaking point. A single unkind word has the power to incite a profound reaction and potentially rupture beautiful relationships.
On the roads, drivers exercise additional caution to navigate the slippery conditions, yet accidents are still an unfortunate reality. For those living paycheck-to-paycheck, the loss of even a single day's income can have serious repercussions. An unkind word, when added to this already stressful situation, can deeply wound their spirit and amplify their struggles.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians struggles with a form of mental illness. If everyone reported their experiences, this number could potentially increase to three or four out of five. Given the prevalence of mental health conditions, it's important to refrain from using unkind words. We do not know what other people are dealing with internally in their hearts, even if they look happy on their faces. If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that you're not alone; many others are going through similar struggles.
We know that our hospitals are crowded, leading to long waiting times. People waiting for healthcare and other vital services can understandably become frustrated. Their emotions are genuine and deserve sympathy. In these situations, harsh words can test their patience. Therefore, remember that kindness is crucial in such circumstances.
On the other side, some of us have a tendency to speak ill of people working in health care, social work, the airline sector, education sector, and other areas when they are unable to provide services adequately or on time. Please remember, they are humans at the end of the day, doing their best. Some of these individuals have confided in me about the immense stress these accusations cause, leading some to contemplate self-harm or even suicide. So, share your kindness, because they did not create the system you are unappreciative of, they just operate it to make a living.
And, joy and kindness are choices we have to make on an everyday basis. To help you make a choice at this moment, I would like to share a video which I made in the frigid -40 temperature here in the Yukon. I am sure that the video will create a big smile on your face:
Kindness, a simple yet powerful expression of humanity, does not cost anything. It's a priceless asset that everyone has access to, regardless of their status or wealth. When you share this precious gift, its impact is profound and meaningful. It does not just bring warmth and light into the lives of others, but it also heals many hearts, mending wounds and fostering a sense of peace, unity and care. Kindness is powerful. When the weather is below zero, it's even more important to share.
Stay warm and share warmth 🧡🙏🏽
(If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below)
I must have channeled you, Gurdeep. I also recently wrote about this topic ... "Random Acts of Kindness." Link: https://jimgeschke.substack.com/p/random-acts-of-kindness
Life is a treasury, a garden of all things great and small. Even the smallest acts of kindness can matter greatly.
i love your joyous videos. We need to dance more, rejoice more and complain less!!!