The Power of Kindness in Managing Change
“You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.”
Dale Carnegie
The Power of Kindness in Managing Change
In my last newsletter, I indicated that I was writing a three part series on managing change in times of transition and that I would be giving the second tool of these three that address specifically how to do your day every day.
At this time of year and especially in these economically challenged times, many of us find there is so much to do and with fewer resources to do them with. For the past two weeks, the quality of kindness has been coming up in my consciousness as a place to expand into when I am feeling the most stressed. If we remember to first tap into our hearts when we deliver a request or address a behavior in another, not only does the recipient benefit, but we send a chemical reaction throughout our bodies that supports both the immune and nervous systems.
In the last chapter of my book The LifeQuake Phenomenon, I address the benefits of altruism not only as it applies to your personal well being but that as you become change adaptive, the final stage transforms you into an agent of evolutionary change for the world.
At this time of year when we tend to eat too much sugar and rush through our days, we put tremendous stress on our immune systems. The second tool that will help manage your stress and make it easier to cultivate kindness is called “The Emotional Pulse Technique” from Chapter 2 of my book.
“If your breath is shallow, there is a good chance you are anxious. Buy an inexpensive digital watch, or use your cell phone and set it to beep every three hours to remind you to learn this new habit. You can also always put it in your appointment calendar, if it is something you reference throughout the day.
By simply stopping every few hours and deepening your breath into
your body, you will develop a slower pace, greater energy, and peace of mind. Now, ask to be shown where you are holding negative emotions or physical discomfort. Breathe into this place and slowly exhale as you let go. Ask your body to show you a symbol for what you need right now to get back into peace. Now, bring your awareness to your heart and ask, “what can I do right now toward myself or another that would expand my ability to be kind and compassionate?”
Not only does this transform your stress pattern, but it also strength-
ens your observation and listening skills. The impact of a week’s worth
of this exercise will pleasantly surprise you, as you sense the foundation
within you becoming stronger. Turning within to calm yourself instills
trust that you can meet your own security needs without external paci-
fiers like food, alcohol, or mindless chitchat.”
I am also available to work deeply on these issues at the body, mind, and spirit level in person at my home office in Marin County, at your facility or business, or by phone, 310-890-6832 and Skype.
Peace to you now and always,
Dr. Toni
Dr. Toni Galardi is an organizational consultant, psychotherapist, career coach, and the author of The LifeQuake Phenomenon: How to Thrive (not just survive) in Times of Personal and Global Upheaval. She can be reached through her office at 310-712-2600 or her website, LifeQuake.net.
