We, as humans, have an instinctual protective nature to be afraid of things that are contagious. Even the word contagious makes people shrink inward to protect themselves from a lurking nearby danger. During the pandemic we were trained to be very wary of someone else’s cough, sneeze or sniffle. It is now ingrained into us that those sounds coming from others are potentially deadly. I am pretty sure in the past, unless someone was incessantly coughing, sneezing or sniffling, I didn't even notice. Now, as I walk through a grocery store and hear a young girl sneeze one time, I automatically take a quick inventory of how close I am to her and whether or not I took my immunosuppressants today to deal with my autoimmune conditions that, in my case, were triggered by the COVID vaccine.
It’s natural to be protective of ourselves but, this high alert state is not good for anyone’s health and well being. It also makes us fear one another. As the old adages say “What you resist, persists” and “What you focus on grows.” I now firmly believe that becoming hyper vigilant and afraid makes our systems more susceptible to viruses and disease. Our subconscious brains are very powerful when it comes to both good and bad things happening to us. Our brains are always listening to take direction and make it right.
So if this logic is true, and there are many minds much smarter than mine that have studied this very thing, then what if we shift our focus onto contagious things that help healing and well-being? Not everything that is contagious is bad. We sometimes say someone has an infectious bubbly personality or a contagious laugh. We have all seen a video of a baby laughing so hard that we just can’t help but laugh ourselves. This hard wired connection to each other is a large part of what keeps us alive and thriving.
In my experience the things that have helped me heal the most since my severe adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine, are the acts of kindness that others have shown me. These acts continually pulled me back into the world after I had shrunken back in fear, sadness, pain and isolation, showing up in the times of my deepest, darkest despair.
I also have learned to help myself by starting Gratitude Thursday. On Thursdays I think of one person I wanted to thank and send them a hand written thank you note. It is amazing the lift that it gives my soul. And it’s not just me. An NIH study “‘Kindness by Post’: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Participatory Public Mental Health Project” from February 7, 2022 found that “Sending a kindness card in this project played a predominant role in wellbeing enhancement, and receiving a kindness card could reduce loneliness.”
It helps me tremendously when I can connect with and help others. Even thinking that one person out there will be able to connect with an article I have written or an interaction we have, gives me an energy that I need to heal and to thrive. That kindness connection creates a sort of buzzing of my cells with the feel good hormones that are released.
I have a long list of how friends, family and strangers have touched my life with kindness in simple, profound and soul changing ways. I would need to write a book and not a 500 word essay to fully express my gratitude for these acts of kindness. Sometimes it’s a physical thing, sometimes it’s a text or a card in the mail, sometimes it’s a free treatment or supplement to try and sometimes it’s a stranger holding the door open for me.
Some of the smattering of kindness I have all over my home include: the beautiful flowers from Lorri’s garden, the delicious natural, healing juices from Antoinette, the handmade “Thinking of You” cards made by Kim’s mom, the beautiful mini xmas tree with purple lights from Lindsay, the comforting blanket full of encouraging words from my friend Christine. Each one sent with love and kindness with the intention to help bring a bit of joy.
Small gestures have profound impacts on people’s wellbeing. Let’s not fear the contagious nature of kindness. Instead of focusing on the potentially harmful sneeze of the stranger in the store, spread contagious kindness like your life depends on it.
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Suzanna, I feel so fortunate to have you as my friend. Your thoughtfulness and kindness is truly contagious. I believe this is why Team Humanity continues to grow. People want to be part of it because your mission comes from a place of compassion, love and hope.
Love wins.