The Need for Kindness and DAKtivism™
We have seen a lot of really great achievements over the last 100 years or so with much to celebrate:
- human life expectancy has increased from 46 years at birth in 1950 to 72+ years now;
- child mortality, poverty, contagious diseases and illiteracy have all decreased
- connectivity has improved with 52% of the world—over 3.8 billion people—now connected to the Internet, about two-thirds of the world has a mobile phone, and over half have smart phones, and
- we are seeing continuing improvements on many fronts, e.g. technology use and access are increasing; and babies born today are likely to live to age 100+ years as a consequence of achievements in health, science and medicine.
Alongside the achievements above however are real challenges e.g.
- the cost-of-living crisis means many families are struggling to find resources and supports,
- stress, anxiety and depression are very prevalent and despite hard working talented NHS staff and others, often there are long waiting lists for treatment,
- loneliness is v prevalent, as are a range of physical health problems even some of which could be preventable with support and information, and
- many in NI are struggling with ongoing hurt, loss and anger following 30+ years of conflict; and people can spend much time and energy in the context of those issues.
We need a different way - kindness. Particularly given the common denominator of people i.e. how we relate to ourselves and each other.
A kind person:
- values people and is respectful of others’ views and beliefs
- is sensitive to the feelings of others; he/she tries to help others which includes NOT inflicting hurt, harm or violence,
- has qualities of compassion which includes being sensitive to the suffering the other is experiencing
- sees beyond the external conditions or labels, and instead focuses towards our common humanity and inherent worth,
- behaves with kindness, compassion and patience because ethically this is the right way to behave rather than seeking any recognition or reward, nor even for any expectation in or of return, and
- works collaboratively with others so that the other person feels empowered and enabled rather than demeaned and disempowered.
How might things change if we were kinder to ourselves? Each other?
DAKtivism™
An activist is a person who campaigns with others to bring about a particular cause. As DAKtivists, our cause is - daily acts of kindness.
DAKtivists are people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures actively committed to one or more Daily Acts of Kindness. This can include:
- daily acts of kindness and selfcare including healthy eating and exercise
- daily smiles and "hellos" to neighbours and others in the community,
- bigger gestures of kindness and care including efforts to support families and/or the wider environment, e.g. volunteering, or helping with a community activity.
In essence it starts with ourselves but can be as wide and as collaborative as our imaginations allow. Anyone who believes in kindness every day is a DAKtivist, but becoming a formal one just helps build a peer community of support, e.g. to test and share ideas; make new friends; find encouragement, and also contribute to real change for individuals and whole communities.
Do join us and help bring about better.
Practicing Daily Acts of Kindness
Kindness At Home
Kindness in our Environment
Kindness in Organisations
DAKtivism must begin with ourselves and our own selfcare, incl eating healthily, making time for exercise, and getting back hobbies and interests.
Kindness in Organisations
Kindness in our Environment
Kindness in Organisations
DAKtivism can change lives in schools, colleges and/or organisations. It includes "small" gestures including saying hello to others, and bigger gestures such as volunteering.
Kindness in our Environment
Kindness in our Environment
Kindness in our Environment
DAKtivism also includes care and respect for our environment. This may include reducing packaging and waste; protecting animals; and planting our own fruit or vegetables.