"Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man." - Louis Nizer

What is an Act of Comfort?

Opposite acts of comfort attempt to counteract intense, physical and emotional suffering. Feelings of isolation, abandonment or loneliness can be an emotional response to some negative life events. Acts of comfort attempt to counteract these harmful affects, and are probably the most spontaneous of the opposite acts as many compassionate people will automatically reach out to those who suffer or are in pain.

Acts of comfort are acts of “goodness” or kindness that encourage, or that provide practical relief to those who are suffering. They include any works of mercy that relieve emotional or physical pain, feelings of grief or loss, or that restore the basic needs of food, shelter, security or clothing to those in need. Relief efforts of all kinds, emergency services or crisis intervention, visiting the sick and disabled, providing transportation or financial assistance are all acts of comfort. Sending care packages to soldiers overseas, supporting the USO, participating in various kinds of support groups, hospice or hospital volunteering, running a soup kitchen, giving change to Ronald McDonald House, or supporting any effort that meets basic needs for food, shelter or clothing, can be an act of comfort. Many agencies and programs exist to meet these needs so many people are familiar with the rewards that efforts in this category can bring. Acts of comfort can be simple, like sending a card to someone who is discouraged or affirming the self-esteem of a child. Or they can be as grand as building a community hospital. As with all Opposite Action, it is not the size of the gift that matters, but the heart behind it.

Acts of comfort can also include works of hospitality. A thoughtfully planned anniversary or birthday party, food preparation, cooking, taking meals to someone who is ill or who just had a baby, inviting a stranded co-worker home during a snowstorm, or providing shelter for a neighbor after a fire or power outage can all be acts of comfort. Anything that helps another feel more comfortable and safe, especially under times of stress, is an act of comfort.

Seniors had many positive memories of the rewards of helping others in times of crisis as well as rich memories of times when they celebrated in peace, or received help. Kindnesses freely given to those in genuine need have great meaning to all involved and are rarely forgotten. Many elders were pleased to recall their good works, were proud of the fact that their homes had been identified by the poor as a haven of peace, and at the end of life felt satisfied to leave a legacy of kindness recognized by all.

And finally, an act of comfort might be as simple as restraining our usual behavior in favor of a kinder response to life.