I can still picture the look on my husband’s face as he honestly and vulnerably expressed these exact words to me in the spring of 2021. My heart sank. My throat and stomach clenched. I welled with tears—feeling sad, angry with myself and worried all at the same time.
How could this person, my favorite person, feel this way? How did we get here? And what could I do about it now?
This is where my kindness experiment began.
“People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is—just be a little kinder.” —Aldous Huxley
When people think about what they want to create in their lives, their first thought isn’t kindness.
Kindness isn’t grand. It’s not a car or a house. It’s not a status symbol. It can’t be bought or sold…and yet, it is IMMENSELY POWERFUL.
It is the reason humans have existed on this planet for six million years. We can’t survive without each other; thus, within every dark moment in our history (even now), kindness (on some level) emerged. People took care of one another.
The world today has become more polarized. Us vs. them is the theme. War and againstness are the result.
It’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless. What can one person do to affect great change?
I don’t know what the remedy is for healing on a global level—and I CAN’T HELP BUT BELIEVE THAT KINDNESS IS AT ITS CORE.
—Mother Teresa
I’m not talking about false kindness—the kind that is born from guilt, people pleasing, politeness, and manipulation. I’m talking about True Kindness—an extension of your loving from your heart. This kindness is based in honesty, compassion, generosity and respect (of self and others).
Think of the person or area of your life where you are the most critical and harsh. Is it your spouse? A parent? Boss? Your body? Work? Yourself?
What if over the course of four weeks you could transform that relationship and experience something lighter, more loving and beautiful—not only with the subject of the experiment, but also with yourself.
That is the byproduct of kindness and the ripple effect of compassion. You cannot honestly apply it without reaping the benefits yourself.
Kindness in your thoughts.
Kindness in your words.
Kindness in your actions.
You will discover your flavor of unkindness—are you biting, defensive, righteous, passive aggressive, neglectful, avoidant and/or something else? You’ll also see the innocence of how/where these patterns began. This is why strangers often get the best of you, while those closest get the messy you.
How does someone else see the subject of your experiment? How do they describe them/it? How does Love see them/it?
If you’re someone who is particularly hard on yourself, developing a regular kindness practice that is unique-to-you will serve you.
by Piero Ferrucci
This book is accompanying our kindness journey and is required reading during the program. It will be sent to all participants.
April 20th to May 18th, 2022
Wednesdays from 5-6:30pm PST | 8:00-9:30pm EST
*All calls recorded and shared within 48 hours after session.
Through the work I did with Amber, individually, and in groups, my life changed. I learned to embrace the scared and vulnerable child, who had no voice. I learned to be kinder and gentler and to stand up for myself. I learned to accept my humanness, and to be open and vulnerable. I listened to my inner voice, took courageous action even with fear present, and much to my surprise, that journey led to decisions about taking care of myself, running my business differently, and having more quality time. It ultimately opened more doors!
I can’t thank Amber enough for her kindness, compassion, intuitiveness, and insight. She is truly a very special soul. And for that, I am grateful.
I felt drawn to Amber’s blog because I knew I needed a fresh perspective on how I have been approaching my life and body. I have been obsessing about my weight since I was a young girl and throughout many different sizes and points of my life. I have tried fad diets and cleanses since I was a teenager and nothing has ever lasted. I have just had further frustration built each time I failed or gained weight back. This program helped me undo those negative feelings of guilt and failure and REPROGRAM MY MINDSET AND LIFESTYLE SO I CAN LIVE THE LIFE I TRULY WANT—FREE AND HAPPY!
This wonderful program truly shifted my way of thinking and relating to the world. I am a natural sceptic and was worried a group wasn’t for me, but I AM SO GLAD I GAVE MYSELF THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY. I opened up to vulnerability, allowed myself to slow down and be more present in all areas of my life and learned to act from a place of feeling instead of overthinking. I originally wanted to focus on my own business, but quickly realized that it would be so much more beneficial to focus on my personal growth.
Born and raised in a single-parent home in Charleston, WV, Amber attended Point Park University where she received a BFA in musical theater. She moved to New York City to pursue her passion of acting, ultimately working on Broadway and touring with the musical Mamma Mia. In 2009, she left the world of theater and earned an MA in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She founded two flourishing businesses as a professional coach and facilitator—bodyheart and Fierce Loving, Inc.
Amber has a thriving coaching practice where she serves a wide range of individuals, including actors, film makers/producers, moms/dads, small business owners, coaches, and corporate and creative executives. She also creates and facilitates her own coaching groups for body, leadership, business growth and life.
Amber is lead faculty for The CFJ Coaching Success School, a six month program for coaches of all backgrounds and styles focused on the art of client acquisition through serving. Her work as an international speaker has been featured at TEDx Malibu, MSN, the White House blog (Obama administration), Camp Climb, Conscious Divas, Fear-Less Freedom Summit, University of Southern California, Penn State University and more.
Located in Los Angeles, Amber lives with her husband and two rescue pups. In addition to continuing her own education about leadership, loving, equity, justice, and inclusion, Amber also volunteers regularly at a local dog shelter. She is committed to Fiercely Loving her life and helping her clients and community do the same.