A Bigger Purpose - Joshua Coombes on Spreading Kindness Through Action

In this conversation, Vashti Whitfield speaks with Josh Coombes, the founder of the 'Do Something for Nothing' campaign, which began with offering free haircuts to homeless individuals in London. The discussion explores the transformative power of kindness, the importance of empathy over sympathy, and the value of authentic connections. Josh shares his journey, the impact of his work on both himself and others, and the stories of individuals he has met along the way. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in addressing homelessness and highlights the significance of small acts of love in creating a positive social impact. Both Josh and Vashti explore themes of compassion, connection, and the importance of trust in human interactions, particularly in the context of helping those in need. They discuss the significance of boundaries and intentions when engaging with others, the impact of social media on altruism, and the legacy of our actions and the need for vulnerability and community support in personal growth and understanding.

 

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https://www.instagram.com/dosomethingfornothing/

Series Produced by - www.sessioninprogress.com.au

 

🔖 homelessness, empathy, kindness, social impact, connection, values, authenticity, community, storytelling, compassion, compassion, connection, trust, intimacy, boundaries, legacy, social media, intention, vulnerability, community

Key Takeaways:

• The Do Something for Nothing campaign started with a simple act of kindness.
• Empathy is about connection, not just feeling sorry for someone.
• Authenticity is crucial in making a meaningful impact.
• Everyone has unique gifts to contribute to the world.
• Small acts of love can lead to significant change.
• The importance of storytelling in humanizing social issues.
• Compassion can shift the narrative around homelessness.
• Time and presence are valuable gifts we can offer others.
• Values shape our actions and connections with others.
• We need to create a new narrative around homelessness.
• Compassion can transform lives and build connections.
• Trust is essential for meaningful interactions.
• Intimacy and touch can be powerful yet challenging to navigate.
• Energy and intuition play a crucial role in human connections.
• Setting boundaries is vital for self-care and effective helping.
• Legacy is about the impact we leave on others, no matter how small.
• Intention behind actions is more important than personal gain.
• Social media can complicate altruism and intentions.
• Realness and authenticity are increasingly valued in society.
• Community support is essential for personal growth and healing.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Movement

02:58 - The Birth of Do Something for Nothing

05:50 - Values and Connection

09:11 - Empathy vs Sympathy

11:59 - The Power of Time and Presence

15:13 - Authenticity in Action

18:03 - Stories of Impact

20:57 - Personal Encounters and Lessons Learned

23:21 - A Journey of Compassion and Connection

27:06 - The Importance of Trust and Intimacy

30:26 - Navigating Boundaries and Intentions

34:31 - Legacy and Impact: The Ripple Effect

39:43 - Intention vs. Personal Gain in Social