What Is The Power of Kindness?

 

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Wherever you first heard it, chances are that you have encountered some variation of the phrase, “He who saves a single life, saves the world entire.” This ages-old precept may sound cliché, but there is truth to it. And one of the easiest and most effective means of saving a life is by exhibiting basic humanity and compassion. This blog post will discuss the power of kindness and the effect it can have on New York City’s homeless population.

What Does It Mean To Be Kind? 

Before we delve any further, we want to stress that kindness is separate from niceness. The latter involves a generally appealing and inoffensive nature, which will change from culture to culture. For example, your definition of a “nice” boy or girl might differ from your grandmother’s. Kindness is something much more profound and universal. It involves curiosity about and empathy for our fellow travelers and their struggles as well as actions taken to relieve some of their burdens. 

What Is The Most Effective Act of Kindness Toward New York’s Homeless Population? 

Being kind toward New York’s most vulnerable residents goes beyond giving them money or some food. Indeed, the greatest kindness you can bestow is completely free. In America, to be homeless is to be, to all intents and purposes, invisible. The simplest, but most profound act you can perform is to engage in genuine conversation with someone - preferably in a safe setting and under appropriate circumstances - and let them give vent to long-suppressed thoughts and feelings without judgment. By providing a sympathetic ear, you recognize someone’s humanity, help to foster community and affirm people’s dignity, which are crucial to combating the despair and depression that tend to prolong homelessness and prevent treatment. [1] 

Is There Any Benefit to Kindness? 

When we perform or are the recipients of kind acts, our brains release influxes of positive hormones like serotonin and dopamine as well as endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These hormones can counter the damaging effects of cortisol and other stress hormones and lead to happier and more satisfying lives. Oftentimes, kindness begets kindness. [2] Whether you become hooked on the “helper’s high” or inspire others to perform their own acts of kindness, you are contributing to the formation of a better world. 

If you would like to help or need help yourself, Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations offer you many opportunities. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness.