So much of what we do depends on how we connect with the world.
This applies to our relationships at home, on campus, and in the workplace. The quality of these connections is important to you and everyone around you.
Below are examples, from a variety of sources, that speak to the importance of these connections.
Shamard Charles, MD, (NBC News, November 25, 2017) describes the important connection we have with the environment around us.
www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/dose-nature-doctors-prescribe-day-park-anxiety-n823421
The Good News Network (Nov.10, 2017) shares a powerful story of forgiveness.
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/father-forgives-man-involved-sons-murder-hugs-court/
The Daily Mail (June 19, 2017) shares the story of a police office de-escalating an encounter of a man with a knife.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4618578/Thai-police-talks-knife-wielding-man-HUGS-him.html
The Greater Good Science Center and Martha Caldwell (Jan. 30, 2017) share how children are learning to listen to each other in the classroom. Maybe there is something important here for adults as well.
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_listen_with_compassion_in_the_classroom?utm_source=GG+Newsletter+Feb+1%2C+2017&utm_campaign=GG+Newsletter+Feb+1+2017&utm_medium=email
This article from Elyse Wanshel, Associate Editor, Good News, The Huffington Post, (July 27, 2016), caught my attention. The article's photographs made me smile. www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cop-police-officer-tea-party-girl-celebrate-saving-life-choking-coin_us_579b6782e4b0693164c0e49b?utm_hp_ref=good-news
Want to learn about the benefits of being out in nature? Read Jill Suttie's article (March 2, 2016) from the Greater Good Science Center.
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative?utm_source=GG+Newsletter+Mar+2+2016&utm_campaign=GG+Newsletter+Mar+2+2016&utm_medium=email
An article about the benefits of kindness by author, Elizabeth Hopper, and the Greater Good Science Center, Feb 16, 2016.
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_helping_others_help_you_find_meaning_in_life?utm_source=GG+Newsletter+Feb+17+2016&utm_campaign=GG+Newsletter+Feb+17+2016&utm_medium=email
A helpful article about mindfulness written by Leah Weiss, January 21, 2016, from Greater Good (The Greater Good Science Center.)
The Greater Good is a worthwhile source for personal and professional development.
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_we_be_mindful_at_work_without_meditating?utm_source=GG+Newsletter+Jan+27+2016&utm_campaign=GG+Newsletter+Jan+27+2016&utm_medium=email
A story on AOL (Nov. 16, 2015), from the Huffington Post, originating on Facebook, tells about the kindness of one man, showing a younger man how to tie a neck tie. This is a great example of how simple it can be to reach out and help others.
http://www.aol.com/article/2015/11/16/heartwarming-photo-captures-elderly-man-teaching-young-stranger/21266864/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl27%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D262291926
The Daily Share shows us that unlikely friendships are possible. Animal lovers will enjoy this. Notice the quality of touch between these two friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQLQesbd7js
CNN (September 7, 2015) reports that Cape Cod beach visitors recently attempted to save a stranded Great White Shark by taking it back to the water. Amazing what can happen when fear is replaced by kindness, care and action. Do you think this will air on the next televised Shark week?
http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/09/08/beachgoers-try-to-rescue-great-white-shark-ireport-sot.stephan-werk
Sometimes it can be challenging to see good in the world with tragedies around us. You may find this the case after the recent shooting in Charleston, SC. In an article for the Huffington Post (June 19, 2015), Kimberly Yam looks at different definitions of a "good person." Check it out and see how much good is actually out there.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/19/good-person_n_7337712.html?utm_hp_ref=good-news
Watching this experience between a wild dolphin and a diver makes you wonder how the dolphin knew where to go for help.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/2gvgkHSyKFE
Can kindness remove barriers and differences? You decide after watching this report from the Weather Channel.
http://www.aol.com/article/2014/07/16/diver-saves-a-turtles-life-and-is-repaid-the-kindness/20932145/?ncid=webmail1
Young man redefines service for elderly person with his back. Learn about his act of kindness http://www.aol.com/article/2014/05/01/young-man-turns-himself-into-human-chair-for-elderly-woman/20878843/
Love is a powerful force that can change lives and communities. Read examples of people who are living this lesson, shared by Andy McDonald and The Huffington Post, 1/14/2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/14/people-fight-against-hate_n_4571211.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
This example by a high school student shows us how we can play different. "Basketball Team Manager Gets His Big Shot," is told by Steve Hartman on CBS Sunday Morning, 3/3/13.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search
q=Steve+hartman+CBS+Sunday+morning&FORM=VIRE4#view=detail&mid=D887F0BC3DFA3038275DD887F0BC3DFA3038275D
Sometimes when you send kindness into the world it can come back to you (from the Huffington Post on 9/2/13).
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/02/billy-ray-harris-home_n_3855898.html?387583738&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D367487
This note and act of kindness must have come as a real surprise (from the Huffington Post on 8/20/13). http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/random-act-of-kindness-note-man-asleep-in-car_n_3781648.html?ref=topbar
The story of one person's kindness, "A Tender Touch", is told by Steve Hartman of CBS News, on 7/11/14.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/homeless-pay-for-haircuts-with-hugs-in-connecticut-town/
