Benevolence
Stephanie Meisner-Maggard, MBA, PCM, CDMP, IOM
Marketing Director at Public Knowledge
What if the world was filled with our benevolence?
Recently Deacon and I were discussing the meaning of "benevolence." I always knew it as this instinct to be kind and feeling this overwhelming need to help others. I think we all have "benevolent" traits, but only a few of us integrate it into our day to day lives, and even fewer integrate it into our professional practice.
Acting kindly can be challenging, especially in the world's current condition. We can reach depths of polarization and intolerance more easily when operating defensively, causing us to limit our ability to spread goodwill. We can overcome these obstacles by using benevolence as a tool.
How to strengthen benevolence daily:
- Start your day with a mantra, "I choose to meet this day with goodwill and kindness towards myself and others."
- Set a daily intention to conduct an act of kindness; soon it will become automatic.
- Cultivate gratitude and appreciation by closing your day with recognizing the support and compassion given by others, and tell them "thank you."