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Lately I’ve been thinking about how small acts of kindness add up. When we look at the news it’s easy to feel discouraged, yet research shows that kindness can improve both psychological and physical health and even lower blood pressure and stress hormones. That means the simple things (smiling at someone, checking on a neighbor,…
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A unified world doesn’t mean we all think alike. It means we learn to see each other’s perspectives and recognize our shared humanity. Social scientists suggest that learning personal details about someone who holds different views reduces our sense of threat and increases warmth. When I take time to understand the stories behind people’s opinions,…
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Work can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be cold. Compassion, defined as empathy in action, means recognizing the seriousness of colleagues’ troubles, understanding that their difficulties aren’t self‑inflicted and picturing yourself in the same situation. When we move beyond sympathy and actively respond to others’ needs, we cultivate healthier workplaces. “Organizations where compassion…
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Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever Today Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. It’s not optional; it’s the glue that holds society together. Experts say empathy is a powerful force that helps maintain social order and cooperation. It’s necessary for intimacy, trust and belonging. In our polarized world, cultivating empathy…
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Sometimes we need a reminder that goodness is alive and well. Below are three stories of everyday people whose acts of kindness made a big difference. Reading these stories lifted my spirits, and I hope they do the same for you. “Kindness can be as simple as buying a pair of shoes, offering comfort in…
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Building a strong community isn’t just about physical proximity; it’s about understanding. Research shows that cross‑cultural empathy bridges emotional and cultural divides, fostering tolerance and reducing prejudice. When we actively seek to understand our neighbors’ experiences, we create a foundation for cooperation. “Volunteering mediates the relationship between empathy and mental health; people with higher empathy…
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It’s no secret that our world feels divided. One way to close those gaps is by sharing ideas in a way that invites connection. Research from the Greater Good Science Center offers practical skills to foster connection in divided times. For example, learning personal details about someone who holds different views reduces the sense of…
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Cultivating compassion isn’t a one‑time event; it’s a practice. Research shows that self‑compassion helps people recover from setbacks and improves self‑control. Participants who responded to dietary lapses with kindness had better moods and regained control over their eating behaviors. Compassion isn’t just outward facing; it starts within. “Compassion is necessary for us to flourish. It’s…