Today, we are going to talk about the importance of kindness for the human experience. Which is a topic that’s hardly discussed in the news or the media?
Kindness is FREE! and today I get to share with you why I believe showing Kindness is one of the most courageous things you can do!
What does kindness really mean?
Kindness, in my opinion, is a human quality that’s a must in order to live a meaningful life. By remembering that you’re human and expressing an attitude of gentleness, generosity, warmth, and caring towards one’s self and others, including strangers, then you’re kind!
I am so blessed to have been blessed to have met so many kind people in my life. From kind people who smile at me while walking in grocery stores… To gentle souls who offer me seats while riding the metro!
I recall when I had my foot strained, and I couldn’t drive and had to ride the Metro to Washington DC to see my doctor. Yup, I encountered kind people, even in DC.
I love this quote from Zane about the importance of kindness:
So that’ my definition of kindness.
What kindness does NOT represent!
Many people think that if you’re a kind person, then you’re weak or a pushover. Truthfully, guys, being kind in a harsh world is an act of courage. It’s easy to be cold, distant, and treat everyone like crap! However, to show kindness towards others, especially strangers, that’s courage.
Kindness means being courageous to go against the current of being harsh, cold, and distant.
So are you up for the challenge? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
The New Science Behind The Importance of Kindness
Now, if you’re wondering why is it important to be kind? Then you’re in luck as I found a new piece of research that blew my mind away, and I have to share it with y’all!
A recent study from 2018, investigated the effect of a seven-day random act of kindness on levels of happiness, and the findings were astonishing.
The research confirmed that performing random acts of kindness boosts participants’ overall states of happiness and well-being.
And if that wasn’t enough, the research additionally found a strong correlation between the number of acts of kindness and increased levels of happiness.
Knowing this new piece of research explains why leading educational institutions like Harvard are emphasizing the importance of kindness.
How do you show kindness?
Kindness is expressed in many ways, and as I said, kindness can be free!
- A gentle smile at a stranger,
- Letting someone pass through on a hight way, or
- Giving your seat to someone on the bus
These are just a few examples of acts of kindness.
But to really open your eyes to even more ways to practice kindness I’ll categorize kindness into two categories:
Kindness towards Self:
Every day we do things that are unkind to ourselves! Trom being sleep-deprived to eating junk found are just a couple of examples.
So be mindful today and ask yourself, how could you be more kind towards yourself?
Maybe give yourself an extra hour of sleep, or opt for a salad and water for a meal instead of fast food and sugar-filled sodas.
I personally love to show kindness to myself by taking a bath once a week. That’s one “Me Time” activity that I look forward to each week.
What would you like to do for yourself? I challenge you to do something beautiful for yourself this weekend! And it doesn’t have to involve spending money. Share in the comments if you’re up for the challenge?
Another way to show kindness towards yourself is by practicing gratitude, self-love, and forgiveness!
Kindness towards Others:
When it comes to showing kindness towards others, there are literally thousands of examples of kindness!
I’ll share with you my top 15 here, and they are all FREE, and I invite you to help me add more to the list turn it to a list of 100 act of kindness!
- Smile at a stranger
- Let someone pass through on the highway
- Volunteer at a shelter
- Allow someone to go in front of you while at checkout in a grocery or coffee shop
- Babysit for a friend
- Give a seat to an elderly or someone with a child if you’re riding the bus or metro
- Pay a compliment to a co-worker
- Make a cup of coffee for a spouse or a friend
- Call a friend and tell him/her how much they mean to you
- Surprise-visit your parents or grandparents
- Lend a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on for someone in need
- Complement a friend on Facebook post
- If you have kids, coach their sport’s team or offer to carpool using your car
- Volunteer at a retirement home
- Take your neighbor dog for a walk
I hope that you guys take what I shared with you and start implementing it into your daily life.
Research or not, I believe kindness is essential! And if you want a boost of happiness and vitality, then give it a try.
In essence, the importance of kindness is good both for you and everyone who comes in contact with you! So go out, be courageous, and spread love and kindness!
Xoxo,
Soul
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