am i being kind: how asking one simple question can change your life...and your world

by Michael J. Chase

Imagine if one simple question could change your life...and your world. Awakening the reader like caffeine for the heart, am I being kind revives the spirit and blazes a direct path to a more peaceful and kindhearted world. In this captivating guide to personal transformation, author and inspirational speaker Michael J. Chase reveals how one simple question has the power to change your life and the lives of those around you. As you ask, “am I being kind” in seven vital areas of your life, you discover the secret to creating unlimited joy, inner peace, and the life you’ve always dreamed of. Having experienced the “art of unkindness” throughout much of his life, Michael shares his own journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned from unlikely spiritual teachers along the way. Through riveting true stories and a unique step-by-step program, am I being kind shows you how the astonishing power of kindness can change your heart, your life, and ultimately, your world.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2011

About the author

Michael J. Chase is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and one of today’s most influential voices for creating a kinder world. Considered an expert on the subjects of kindness, resilience and positive behavior; his teachings reveal how living from the heart plays a critical role in healing our lives and our planet.
Speaking at events throughout the US and Canada, Michael has shared the stage with Louise L. Hay, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Marianne Williamson and other self-empowerment legends. Whether presenting his ideas in a classroom or on stage in front of thousands, his message of hope impacts countless lives each year.
Michael’s work is not aligned with any particular belief system—his teachings are based on the universal language of kindness, which embraces all and excludes none. When he is not traveling, Michael resides on the coast of Maine where he has authored three books that highlight the benefits of living a compassionate life.

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because a friend of mine asked me to help her stop feeling angry all the time. I shared it with her and she said it has had tremendous impact on her. I would recommend this book for people who have internal unhappiness, a sense of entitlement, jealousy, bitterness in their hearts, exhibit hateful behavior, or use hateful language, even toward people who love them. By asking this one simple question, Am I a Being Kind?, and applying it to seven different aspects of life the author recognizes that negativity is fuel to expanded negativity and self destruction and it can be overcome. The author teaches how to be kind and posits that kindness begets kindness/happiness and leads to better health and more loving relationships with family and friends.

[Josée · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! Simple and makes you reflect on yourself and the choice you are making! I really like when he makes reference that we are human being and not human doing as our world focus so much on doing and accomplishing! And instead of making a to-do list, to make a to-be list for each task or thing you want to do! Love it!

[Meghan Orkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel weird even writing this review bc it’s like unkind or whatever probably. But my issue with this book is that it’s incredibly surface level and is really repetitive. This is like the beginner’s guide to being a decent human being. Essentially the book is a series of examples of the impact of being kind and the importance of random acts of kindness. And while I don’t regret reading this book, I couldn’t help but feel like it may not be the most rewarding or insightful book on the philosophies behind kindness. From a writer/editor stand point, it’s not incredibly detailed and what is supposed to be profound feels a little obvious and non-specific. I think the book might’ve been more effective if it focused less on individual instances of kindness and their outcomes and more on the actual ways to change one’s mindset beyond giving a stranger a balloon. I’m not saying these things weren’t present, but they weren’t elaborated on enough or I felt like there was some deeper meanings that were left out. I felt like I finished with questions or just like okay what exactly did I learn… I appreciated the 9 elements of kindness and their application to the to do list but beyond that, this just seems like an unedited diary or poorly written memoir. I really feel stupid writing this because it’s “unkind” in a sense but I can geniunely say while I feel strongly about the purpose of the book and appreciate its teachings, it lacks in a lot of ways that lead me to believe it wouldn’t be as impactful as maybe other literature’s on kindness.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this was common sense but I enjoyed the reminder. Usually someone who is being unkind is reacting to an unkindness done to them. This book helped me to look at others and ask myself "Am I being Kind?"

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

It's lacking new ideas, but what more can one say about human kindness? It's a short, sweet inspiring read. Basically: pay it forward, respect others, share a smile, mentally walk a mile, ask yourself the basic question in the title.

[Robbn]

Great book!! I use these words throughout the day to evaluate my attitude towards EVERYONE else, on the road, in a store, those I deal with everyday.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the quote that started this book.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Philo

I find that it's too easy to get lost in my problems and trying to get things done all the time. So I think more deeply about the choices to make each day.

1. Being responsible vs being a victim
2. Forgiveness vs resentment
3. Wellness vs abuse
4. Dream big vs settle
5. Living a life of purpose vs a life without meaning
6. positive relationships vs energy vampires
7. A life of kindness vs unkindness (toward self, others, earth)

There are quite a list of physical things to do to be kind but I especially enjoyed this section on giving spiritually that is worth sharing.

1. Meditate each day on world peace.
2. Pray for a friend who's struggling financially.
3. While sitting in traffic, send out silent blessings to those around you.
4. When a discouraging story is reported on the news, pray for all those involved.
5. Think kind thoughts about yourself.
6. Think kind thoughts about individuals you don't get along with.
7. Send out positive energy to people who seem unhappy.
8. Say a prayer of thanks for all the blessings in your life.
9. Want more for others than you do for your self.

I won't spoil the last story about receiving kindness but it is something to think about, without receiving there can be no giving.

Enjoy!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everybody knows someone who seems to complain a lot or feels like the world is out to get them. Maybe they are always blaming their circumstances on things or people. This is a cool book because it sort of illustrates how that mindset can ruin a person's life, but a few conscious efforts at being kind or pausing for a second to observe the GOOD things around you, can completely reshape your worldview. Nobody can be kind all the time, but the author points out how if everyone tried to be kinder to each other today than they were yesterday, and tomorrow a bit more than they are today, we'd all benefit greatly from these small acts. And they are small. This isn't a call to completely shake up your life (unless you want to), this is just a little book reminding you that you have the power to shape the world. Small acts like smiling at someone, holding a door for somebody, stopping to pick up litter on a sidewalk, can literally change the world.

[Sourav Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One of the most effective ways in which you can forgive adversaries is by looking at them with sincere compassion. Until you change your perspective and realize that those who have hurt you are also in pain you'll never be free of resentment..."
After a long time I read en encouraging and motivational book like this!
The title was enough to convince me to read the book!
The book is so interesting and the way the author explained everything with proper examples and real life events is just amazing.
I loved it how the book is full of positive vibes and kindness.
"Adopt the Livingkindness philosophy by practicing kindness towards yourself, others and the earth..."
The book teaches us how to appreciate the life no matter what!
This is perhaps the best book that I read this year.
The cover is simple yet beautiful.
The language is lucid.
Overall, a must read!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy read, but it's quite insightful. I've decided to keep a copy in my very small library, so that says a lot for me. I'd like to meet this guy! He sounds like he enjoys life and is learning all the time -- 2 things that are priorities in my own life. This would be a great book for a graduate.

[David Geschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some really great moments in this book, and the first chapter will probably get your attention right away. Only reason I’m not giving it five stars is eventually it gets around to being one of those books that has “actionable events” at the end of the chapters, and I’m not a big fan of that. But certainly a worthwhile read. And if you like “actionable events”, well - five stars! :)

[Edna-Pier Laporte · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai découvert ce livre dans une boîte à livres et son titre a immédiatement retenu mon attention. Je ressens qu'il était essentiel pour moi de le lire en ce moment. Son contenu m'a éclairé sur les bienfaits que la bienveillance peut apporter à nos vies si nous intégrons ces principes dans notre quotidien. Je prévois de les appliquer autant que possible. Je recommande fortement cette lecture.

[Kira Dlusskaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

bland

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a bad read

[David Nee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise I like some of the principles a little bit too new agey for me.

[Alison Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another self-help book, right? What can this man possible tell me that I do not already know? Chase does just this in such a clearly written way. Ask yourself, "Am I Being Kind?" Chase explains how one's actions result in either being a victim or a responsible person. He writes about kindness to one's own self, others, the environment and humanity. This is an interactive book. Write in the margins, answer questions on the pages provided, put in page markers. I had read this in 2012 but packed it in a move. I found it today as I was turning out books to donate. This is a keeper.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is my review in my Spanish Blog: bit.ly / PtGS5L There are three questions that are really important and we must ask them constantly: am I being kind with myself? Am I being kind with my neighbor? Am I being kind with the Earth? If we continuously pose these questions to ourselves; and try to answer them in the most positive way possible; then we will be able to live our life to the fullest; enjoying each and every moment and paying attention to the stuff that really matters.

[Terry Stanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this little book. The description listed pretty much says it all. It helped me become more introspective and before saying anything,most of the time I remember to ask myself, "Am I Being Kind." If I don't feel that is true, withholding my comment and letting it go, works just fine. Would recommend this to anyone who tends to jump to conclusions or is looking for a healthy sensory filter.

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it's easy and well expleined and gives you good advices and easy tipps to improve your life from the start. You do not need to have faith, do not need to be Buddhist or whatever, you only need to make yourself some questions and being aware of yourself.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND HAY HOUSE FOR THE PREVIEW

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one! Helps you to focus on whether or not you really are being kind to others. Sometimes we need a book to bring our lack of "love and kindness" towards others to the forefront. And then what to do about it. Really liked this one!

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for everyone. If only we could all think with such kindness, before judgement, before criticism, before thinking! A life changing book and after meeting the author in person, just an amazing read...so simple.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't love this book. It didn't change my life.180 pages in I'm still not really sure what the kindness centre actually does or how the author applies kindness in his everyday life. If you like self help books this will probably be right up your alley, but they're just not my cup of tea.

[Vicki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not even make it to page 50

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and easy to practice-life lessons for all the world

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love inspirational books - always makes you question 'am I being kind'.

[Lisa M. Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all

This book came into my life when I needed it. If we could all just follow the advice in this book life would be so much better for all of us.