There seems to be a theme this week, in the posts, of helping others. My mother reminded me, at breakfast on Saturday, that even witnessing an act of kindness has a positive impact on our health. When I see a video of someone being helped, it makes me feel better…that is, until the negative part of my brain starts saying things like,”What about all of the other animals (or people) out there?” or “How could someone do this?”…then I don’t feel so good.
When this happens I try to dismiss that social-political-critical self, that wants to ruin my moment of connection and love, and say to it, “Thank you for sharing, but I am going to feel good right now because it is healthier.” I think of these stories as my vitamins, and I like to let my system absorb them, let them really soak in…
“….a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results…Kindness extended, received or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and feelings of everyone involved.” From The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer
The video below is of a blind dog rescued from a trash pile. It is lovely to see the rescue workers move right in and help him out. I was crying tears of gratitude and joy as I watched the kindness extended to this little dog!
http://www.godvine.com/Blind-Dog-Living-in-a-Trash-Pile-Gets-Rescued-1290.html
