Tenderness Toward Existence Day is celebrated on January 19 every year. It is a special day to celebrate the quiet feeling of warmth, joy, and connection with all creatures on this beautiful planet we call home. There are 7.9 billion people who live on Earth, and we all share our home with over 8.7 million other species. Every single one of these species is unique and plays an important role in their environment. All creatures are dependent on each other, and we are dependent on them. Every life has value, and that value is what we celebrate on this day.
History of Tenderness Toward Existence Day
Tenderness Toward Existence Day is not a very old holiday. It was instituted in the 2000s and has been celebrated on January 19 ever since. It is not the kind of holiday that’s talked about in the news. It is a quieter, more personal celebration of humanity’s connection with all living beings. We must recognize we are not alone on this planet, and we cannot survive alone. It is a great day to acknowledge that every life has value. ‘Existence’ simply means ‘life,’ ‘the state of living,’ from the Latin words ‘ex’ and ‘sistere,’ which mean ‘out’ and ‘to take a stand’ respectively. Tenderness means ‘sensitivity to pain,’ so we can say in essence that this holiday is about a sensitivity to the pain of every living thing.
With the rapid acceleration in human development, thousands and thousands of species of animals are going extinct every year. Human activity is solely responsible for this. Apart from poaching and the destruction of habitats, human beings are also responsible for killing their own kind. Millions of people are casualties of war, they suffer from hunger and poverty. Additionally, people suffer depression and other mental illnesses. This day is an important opportunity to acknowledge the suffering of all such people and extend a hand to help.
Humanity is capable of great compassion. As individuals, we all have the capacity for sympathy and empathy, to feel deeply for the creatures around us, for other people, and ourselves. This sense of deep affection, connection, and a desire to care for all living beings is what is expressed as tenderness. This is our greatest strength as a species and will be the key to our survival. Only if we let ourselves feel this tenderness, feel the need to look after the creatures of this planet, and care for them as we care for our own families, will we stop climate change and mass extinction.
Tenderness Toward Existence Day timeline
A book about the importance of forests, “Sylva,” is published and credited for starting the conservation movement.
Americans begin to consider the importance of the natural world and the human connection to it.
Because of President Roosevelt’s efforts, the first national parks in America are developed.
The Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid through the Wildlife Restoration Act gives states the funding to carry out their own conservation activities.
Tenderness Toward Existence Day FAQs
What does it mean to be tender toward existence?
It means to be kind and gentle towards all living things.
How can I be tender toward existence?
Start by being kind to yourself. Extend that kindness to your family and friends, to the people around you, and then, to all living things.
Do I have to be a vegetarian to be tender toward existence?
Practicing tenderness doesn’t have anything to do with what you eat. It has got to do with how you act to all the creatures around you.
How To Observe Tenderness Toward Existence Day
Visit a National Park
There’s no better way to be reminded of your connection to the natural world than by being surrounded by nature. Find the nearest National Park to you and head over for a visit.
Spend time with family and friends
Tenderness towards existence includes the ones we love. You must spend some quality time with them. Appreciate their presence in your life and let them appreciate you.
Journal and acknowledge yourself
Tenderness is a gift we need to offer ourselves as well. Too often we keep giving until we don’t have anything left. Take the time today to journal and express care to yourself.
5 Facts About Tenderness That Will Surprise You
Animals can also be monogamous
Many wild animals mate for life, including seahorses, beavers, otters, wolves, and owls.
Tenderness can ease pain
It may never replace professional healthcare but researchers have found that love, warmth, and tenderness, can trigger the same brain response as your everyday analgesic.
Kindness makes us happier
Acts of kindness and tenderness release endorphins.
Helping others helps relieve depression
Giving to other people when you’re depressed can help you feel better about yourself.
Warmth is good for the health
Expressing tenderness, love, and compassion lowers your stress hormones and makes you happier.
Why Tenderness Towards Existence Day is Important
It encourages kindness to oneself
Self-compassion is the first step to being kind, empathetic, and compassionate to others.
It celebrates the human connection
Tenderness is all about building a connection. Being connected to all creatures is a great way to stay grounded.
We learn the importance of tenderness
In a world where it's so easy to be cruel and selfish, it is important to practice radical tenderness toward all life.
Tenderness Toward Existence Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 19 | Sunday |
| 2026 | January 19 | Monday |
| 2027 | January 19 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 19 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 19 | Friday |
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