Witnessing acts of kindness has a profound influence on people. Completely altruistic and selfless actions evoke feelings of peace and tranquility in those who witness them, feelings that remain etched in their minds and endure due to their sudden and unexpected nature.
But why is it so beneficial to witness acts of kindness? What makes us feel good when we see others acting altruistically for the benefit of others?
Witnessing Acts of Kindness Fills Us with Peace and Gratitude
Witnessing an authentic act of kindness conveys a lasting sense of peace and happiness. Some of these actions, although seemingly insignificant, can linger in our memories and end up being inspiring in difficult times.
When we are witnesses to an act of kindness, we may experience what Abraham Maslow called a “peak experience,” those moments of admiration, awe, and a sense of what is right that make us feel immensely grateful to be alive.
“Every act of kindness is a demonstration of strength.” – Miguel de Unamuno
Renewed Faith in Human Nature
Jonathan Haidt calls these experiences “euphoria” and describes them as a warm feeling in the chest, a sense of expansion in the heart, a greater desire to help, and an increased sense of connection with others. For Haidt, an act of kindness is a manifestation of superior or better human nature. An act of kindness that brings renewed faith in human nature offers a glimpse of hope amid the chaos and conflicts of daily life.
Altruism Makes Us More Human
The sense of connection mentioned by Haidt is important. Altruism transcends the separation we often experience as human beings. It connects us to one another. In fact, pure altruism is possible because, at the deepest level, all human beings are part of the same web of consciousness.
The person who performs an altruistic act will certainly be the recipient of another act of kindness, and when we witness that act, we also become part of that network. In other words, acts of kindness have positive effects in three directions: on the doer, the receiver, and the witness.
Kindness is Positive for the Immune System
Numerous scientific studies have shown that an act of kindness has a positive effect on the immune system and increases serotonin production in the brain.
The results of one of the most fascinating studies in recent years showed that a simple act of kindness spreads from one person to another, leading to a significant improvement in immune system functions and increasing serotonin production in both the person offering the act and the one receiving it.
What surprised researchers the most was proving that people who observe an act of kindness also experience a similar boost in their immune system and an increase in serotonin production.
Being Kind to Feel Better
The benefits of kindness are not limited to strengthening the immune system and serotonin production. The study showed that those who regularly engage in acts of kindness experience relief from stress, reduced chronic pain, and even improvement in their insomnia problems.
Christine Carter explains that people who volunteer tend to experience less pain and discomfort.
Helping others often protects our health twice as much as the protection offered by aspirin against heart disease.
Source: Eva María Rodríguez