Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward Island
Put the kettle on; it's time to warm up to waking up.
Storm chips are in the pantry; bring it on, snow, hail, and rain; we are in for quite the weather today, and we're ready.
We live in a beautiful part of the world. Neighbours look out for each other, and if trials arrive, help is a heartbeat away.
It seems Islanders are moving up the life expectancy charts. Ever so slightly, but it is going in the right direction. Perhaps there has been more kindness given on the Island in the last ten years.
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
The significant part of random acts of kindness is that there are benefits to the receiver and the giver.
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Recipients of kindness can feel loved.
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Recipients and givers of kindness can experience a sense of awe when they think about profound acts of love or virtue.
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Whether you are a recipient or giver or a witness, you can feel the benefits of an increase in oxytocin. Oxytocin is commonly called the "love hormone." It helps lower blood pressure, improve heart health, increase self-esteem and optimism.
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Kindness can increase the feeling of strength and energy due to helping others.
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Kindness can also make one feel calmer.
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Less depressed.
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Increased feelings of self-worth.
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People who volunteer their time or money for charitable causes often have fewer aches and pains.
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Kindness is similar to a medical anti-depressant. Kindness pushes your body to produce serotonin. Known as the "feel-good" chemical provides healing and calming feelings.
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Kindness decreases pain by generating endorphins (the brain's natural painkiller).
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Stress shows people who are more kind have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population.
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The University of British Columbia did a study on a group of highly anxious individuals. The study group performed at least 6 acts of kindness a week. After one month, they saw a significant increase in positive moods. Also, an increase in relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance.
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It reduces depression. It delays mortality. And improves well-being and good fortune when we give of ourselves.
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Lowering blood pressure from giving acts of kindness creates emotional warmth. It releases a hormone known as oxytocin. And this reduces blood pressure.
Thank you to Positive Psychology for this list.
KINDNESS, by Naomi Shihab, a poetry video
"Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world,
no matter what you look like." ~ Anonymous
I found this idea encouraging. The idea of 3-D Printed Homes for Homeless is fantastic.
In a tiny village on the outskirts of Nacajuca, Mexico, builders are creating new homes using a novel tool: an oversize 3-D printer.
Amazing…
“A great song should lift your heart, warm the soul and make you feel good.” – Colbie Caillat
This week I enjoyed listening and watching two Eva Cassidy documentaries.
Who doesn't love her angelic voice.
The first video is her band reminiscing the night they fortunately filmed the live sessions. Unfortunately, she passed away weeks later from cancer.
Restored footage of Eva Cassidy performing at the Blues Alley jazz club on 3rd January 1996.
Comments
Julie MacKenzie said:
Another wonderful weekend read! I loved all the videos..especially the videos highlighting Eva Cassidy. I have never heard of her until I saw these videos. Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful week.
February 01, 2022
Faye Hawes said:
Thank you for the Eva Cassidy story and sharing her perfect and beautiful voice, which stirs your very soul! Silenced so young, but now singing in her very own style with the angels.
January 31, 2022
Susan B said:
Amazing blog !!
I always learn from your blogs Bruce.
Eva Cassidy WOW; will definitely watch the videos again.
Kindness is so important and it makes you feel wonderful as was stated.
Thank you
Stay warm and have a great week.
Susan B
January 31, 2022
Jack & Lillian Paul said:
Thanks for another great blog. In Ottawa we celebrate Kindness Week in Feb. thanks to Rabbi Boulka….who unfortunately die din 2021.
Lillian
January 30, 2022
Louise Lowther said:
I had never heard of Eva Cassidy. What a lovely voice! Love your Saturday blogs Bruce. Thanks.
January 30, 2022
Tom Garbarini said:
Thank you for Eve Cassidy.
January 30, 2022
Ernestine Olson said:
The photos of PEI are so beautiful. Thanks
January 30, 2022
Lynn said:
Eva Cassidy is amazing! Thank you for introducing us to her.
And your notes on kindness are excellent reminders. Thank you for that too.
Have a lovely weekend, despite the storm, and a blessed week!
Lynn
January 30, 2022
Murdock Morrison said:
Yes we have had a doozy of a storm here in Dartmouth too but we will get through it as we have kind neighbors who have snowblowers and we are so grateful for their kindness. Great blog on the theme of kindness and love all of the quotes you gave but really like the 3D Printed Homes in Mexico – great idea and that is kindness in their hearts for the lonely and homeless. But then you gave us Eva Cassidy’s Blues Alley Concert- how great that was Bruce – Stay Safe and Well – murdandcon
January 29, 2022
Jane said:
Love Eva Cassidy!
And, yes, kindness always wins.
January 29, 2022
Gordon said:
Thanks for the music. Enjoyed it on this wintry afternoon.
January 29, 2022
Sue said:
Always look forward to your Saturday blog but today it was particularly moving. You and your company certainly embody the kindness model too. Thank you!
January 29, 2022
Valarie LaBore said:
I shared that list of the effects of random acts of kindness on my Facebook page. I feel like a lot of people could benefit from that at this time.
Stay warm, Val
January 29, 2022
Kay said:
Always enjoy your blogs which are informative & interesting. Enjoyed seeing the homes that are being built for the homeless.
January 29, 2022
Michelle Abushar said:
Eva Cassidy……WOW. Thanks for the introduction to me of her music and her life story. Incredible! How sad that she passed away at age 33 before she became widely known. But so glad for her musical legacy. Thx for sharing this with us. Very much appreciated!
January 29, 2022
Tati said:
Great blog this morning…so much to think about.
I love Eva Cassidy voice her rendition of Fields of Gold are amongst my favourite of her recordings. I hope you enjoy it too
https://youtu.be/9UVjjcOUJLE
January 29, 2022