Kindness and Singing

This summer, I read Deep Kindness: A Revolutionary Guide for the Way We Think, Talk, and Act in Kindness by Houston Kraft. He proposes that “practicing kindness is an essential step in helping to repair a world that has grown to be more divisive, lonely, and anxious than ever.” Deep Kindness gives us the steps we need to make real change in our own lives, the lives of others, and throughout the world. 

During the past few years Kent School has explored as a community the importance of connection, belonging, empathy, and caring. We have worked hard to restore our community in the complicated and changing times in which we live. Aristotle famously said: Educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all. I agree, and, because we live in a time when kindness is needed more than ever, I have selected KINDNESS as my word to keep before our learning community for this academic year. KINDNESS is a choice, a muscle we must flex and strengthen. And, frankly, it is a muscle that could use a little more of our attention. 

So where do we start? We have no choice but to start with ourselves. If you are kind, forgiving, and gentle with yourself, it will radiate out in all of your actions. Being kind has so many benefits to you and to the person who receives your KINDNESS. If we practice KINDNESS and make it a part of who we are, we can live a happier and healthier life. Scientific research shows that being kind releases feel-good hormones, reduces anxiety, improves heart health, and reduces stress. KINDNESS also builds relationships, and positive relationships new and old, bring great joy and purpose to our lives.

When my own children were growing up, I always told them to be kind above all else – because you have no idea what someone may be dealing with in their life. As educators we need to remember that each child comes to school with a set of experiences, issues, concerns, and questions that differ from his or her classmates. Our words matter. They are capable of inspiring or hurting. We all must practice and learn to be kinder to one another.

Some of you know that Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets. Today, on her birthday, I want to share one of her lines of poetry that resonates with me from the poem Evidence. 

I believe in kindness. 

Also in mischief. 

Also in singing, 

especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.

When I was a child I was not allowed to sing at the dinner table. That is another story, but I guess that was a time for my parents when singing was not prescribed. Mary’s words, however, mean that we should all take a moment to sing – whatever your singing might be – when the time is not necessarily right to express your joy. Be kind and do it anyway.