What I See with Derek Goforth: Kindness is not just a ‘feelgood’ concept but a human fundamental

Kindness is often seen as a simple and passive act but in reality it is a powerful force that can create positive change in our relationships and the world around us. It can inspire us to take action and make a positive impact in our communities. By practicing kindness in our daily lives, we can create a more just, equitable and harmonious world for all. In today’s society, we are faced with increasing levels of division, polarisation and conflict. We can be quick to judge and label people based on their political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation, often without attempting to understand their point of view or experiences. This has resulted in a climate of fear, mistrust and hostility towards others, which can have serious consequences for our relationships and communities. However, I believe that kindness can help us to break down these barriers and build bridges of understanding and empathy. Kindness involves treating others with respect, empathy and compassion, and it can help us to recognise our shared humanity. It can also help us to approach our disagreements with a sense of openness and curiosity, rather than hostility and defensiveness. Kindness is not just a “feelgood” concept but a fundamental aspect of human well-being. Research has shown that acts of kindness can improve our mental and physical health, reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions such as happiness and satisfaction. It can also create a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for our social and emotional well-being. Moreover, kindness is a core value in many religions and spiritual traditions. In Christianity, for example, kindness is often referred to as a fruit of the spirit, which is a manifestation of God’s character within us. The Bible urges Christians to be kind to one another, to love their neighbors as themselves and to do good to those who persecute them. Similarly, in Buddhism, the concept of metta or loving-kindness involves developing feelings of goodwill and compassion towards all beings, including oneself. As a dad, I have also learned that kindness is an essential quality that we should teach our children from a young age. Being kind to others involves treating people with the respect, empathy and compassion one would like to see extended to oneself and it can help our children to develop healthy relationships and social skills. We can encourage them to show kindness to their siblings, classmates, and even strangers and to understand that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Kindness can be a powerful tool for conflict resolution. When our children are upset or frustrated, we can teach them to express their feelings in a kind and respectful way, rather than resorting to anger or aggression. We can also encourage them to listen to others and try to understand their perspective, rather than assuming that their way is the only way. To practise kindness may require us to step outside of our comfort zones and to listen to and learn from others. In a world where we are encouraged to be anything we choose — choose to be kind. Derek Goforth is an expat of 13 years and father of three living and working in Geraldton