Thinking Humanity

It is so easy for us to be kind to others but at the same time, so difficult. Where does one even begin in such a turmoil ridden context that surrounds the South African landscape.  Do we begin at home with those that need our assistance? Or do we reach out to those who stereotypically deserve our kindness. But then again what difference can one random act of kindness make to a great population that deserve this virtue? Surely if kindness is to be given, one simply has to ask for it?

But then there are those who do not even know how to ask. Surely they deserve this kindness more. Think of the Deaf community, a group who turn to each other to communicate as the greater community cannot connect in their way. Perhaps learning some basic sign language and saying hello to one who is deaf in the language he is accustomed to rather than expecting him to communicate in our language, is kindness?

There is no measure to kindness, no act is too big or too miniscule, nor do material items make one’s kindness more effective. Anyone can be kind and show virtues to others such as empathy and care to be kind. Lets start you on your kindness journey with two ideas:

1.       There is automatic kindness which comes naturally to our human instinct which we may choose to act upon or ignore. Acting upon this is kindness to the other but also to ourselves, allowing our innate nature to flourish.

2.       There is kindness which requires effort, some physical or emotional exertion which demands of us to go beyond what our instinct directs. This too benefits the other but also ourselves. The extra effort is a platform for self-growth.

Where can you begin?

A Change Is Going To Come.

Life is about change, as they say" The only constant in life is change", and there is a lot of change coming to the " Change our World for Good" campaign.

The first step was at the Design Indaba, which has been running Since 1995, in Cape Town. The Design Indaba Conference "has invited the world’s top creative minds to address professionals from the creative, corporate and educational sectors, championing creativity and innovation that enhances the world around you"

The conference lasts for 3 days, and on the 2nd day Benjamin Hubert, founder of  creative agency LAYER, that is focused on experience-driven design for both the physical and digital worlds addressed the crowd about his journey of opening his own industrial design agency.

Most importantly he told the crowd about the philanthropic work he, and his agency had done during the infantile stages of the agency. One project he had worked on was our ARK project, where Layer set out to redesign our charity boxes and create an APP( soon to be launched)!

Hubert’s talk ended with over 2,000 ARKS falling at his feet as a demonstration of the impact that this project could have, and how it can impact the lives of so many.

Change is inevitable, and it is on it's way.

Kindness Is a Language the Deaf can hear and the Blind can See.

The language of kindness is universal, whether it is a small touch on someone's shoulder when they are going through a difficult time, or a kind word.

These actions have a seismic impact on people's lives. Although, at times we don't see it, there is a ripple effect; one act turns into many acts.

Research found by James Fowler, professor of medical genetics and political science at the University of California, San Diego states that "the effects of kindness can be so great that you actually don't have to be directly linked to a giving chain to get in on the act. By simply witnessing generosity you may be inspired to do something generous of your own, simply observing kindness can spur more acts of good"

Fill up your heart with kindness and, let it resonate in everything you do.

Be an example and bring some much needed light into the darkness.

Valen " KINDS" Day

Valentines Day is on Sunday, and we could either love or hate the day for various reasons. While it's a day where you are giving to the one you love most, it can also be a day to spread so much kindness.

Take Valentines Day and turn it in to 'Valen"KINDS" day", take all that love you've been given and turn it outward, towards those who really need small acts of kindness.

Take your loved one/ones, and show them that the day isn't just about spending money, but acts from the heart that will leave a mark in the world and in the world of others.

Valen" KINDS' day should be just that, KIND, loving and happy.  Take that feeling and use it for everyday.

We promise you that no deed is too small, or wasted. We need it more than ever.

Love and kindness is the answer, be those things.

We Never Know The Worth Of Water Until The Well Is Dry.

As soon as Summer arrived promptly, and a little too early on our doorstep, we all expected those beautiful African rain showers that roll around about mid-evening to cool us all down. This year, was very different...

As we waited for the tell-tale signs of an African summer, we were sorely disappointed. Temperatures rose to excruciating highs, and little or no rain fell, the country was in the grips of what is recorded as one of the worst droughts in the past 30 years.

The impact of a drought is always devastating, and we are seeing it every day. Provinces all over South Africa are suffering with no chance of relief until the end of the Summer season, but there is always hope, and hope comes in many forms.

This is where our amazing citizens come in. Operation Hydrate NGO, a citizen -driven initiative has partnered up with the Nelson Mandela Fund and Proudly SA, to deliver water to areas where taps have run dry. Thanks to the incredible donations, they have delivered about 3 million litres of water to date, showing us that kindness is everywhere!

Another amazing initiative is #ProjectWaterDrop driven by radio station Jacaranda 94.2, they have delivered 1.5 million litres of KINDNESS to many drought stricken areas in the North West, which was  donated by their amazing listeners.

Despite, 2016 beginning on shaky footing, we see that kindness is still so important, and when we join together as one, we can change the lives of  many!