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"Deep Kindness pairs anecdotes with actions that can make real change in our own lives, the lives of others, and throughout the world. Diving into the types of kindness the world needs most today, this book takes an honest look at the gap between our belief in kindness and our ability to practice it well--and shows us how to put intention into action. Exploring everything from the empathy gap to the skill of emotional regulation, Deep Kindness is perfect for anyone who believes in a kinder world and recognizes that there is a lot of work to do before we achieve it." --
About the author
Houston Kraft’s job is to practice kindness. Over the course of eight years, Houston spoke at over 600 schools, organizations, and events globally. In 2016, Houston cofounded CharacterStrong, which helps schools teach critical social and emotional skills that lead cultivate kindness. They currently serve 7,500 schools across all fifty states and over thirty-seven countries. In 2020, Deep Kindness was published by Simon & Schuster and has been a source of practical kindness inspiration to tens of thousands of readers.
Summary
Spread meaningful kindness in your everyday life with this essential guidebook to making the world a kinder, more accepting place.
Practicing kindness is an essential step in helping to repair a world that has grown to be more divisive, lonely, and anxious than ever. But with quotes like “Just be kind” or “Throw kindness around like confetti,” we’ve oversimplified what it takes to actually demonstrate kindness in a world crying out for it.
Deep Kindness pairs anecdotes with actions that can make real change in our own lives, the lives of others, and throughout the world. Diving into the types of kindness the world needs most today, this book takes an honest look at the gap between our belief in kindness and our ability to practice it well—and shows us how to put intention into action. Exploring everything from the empathy gap to the skill of emotional regulation, Deep Kindness is perfect for anyone who believes in a kinder world and recognizes that there is a lot of work to do before we achieve it.
Additional text
"Motivational speaker Kraft (Deep Kindness) explains a demanding version of kindness in this vibrant work. He contrasts his version of selfless and courageous kindness that will heal the world with what he calls a “confetti” kindness that requires little thought or commitment. He provides tools for overcoming incompetence, insecurity, and inconvenience, arguing that incompetence can be changed with empathy and vulnerability, insecurity can be addressed by tackling embarrassment and shame, and the burden of inconvenience (such as necessary daily tasks and routines) can be minimized by building kind habits. His advice often notes the need for careful consideration rather than assuming what someone wants (for instance, the kid eating alone in the lunchroom may not want company, or your company) and cautions against the “unintentional arrogance” that can accompany good deeds. Kraft’s clear definition of necessary reorientations readers should consider (like forgiveness as “separating the person from the behavior” or reframing busyness as a matter of priorities) makes his suggestions accessible. Kraft’s insistent but doable nudges toward self-sacrificing kindness will resonate with those who enjoy the work of Piero Ferrucci."—Publishers Weekly
