The Power of Kindness
“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Henry James
Can you remember the last time somebody was kind to you? Or when you were kind to someone else? Do you remember their reaction?
Kindness leaves a lasting impression on both the user and the experiencer.
Do you think of kindness during your daily routine? Do you realize the profound impact small acts of kindness have on yourselves the world around you? Kindness is sometimes underrated and forgotten.
In this fast-paced world, kindness and compassion sometimes takes a back seat. Selfies, self-interest and interacting through the online world can keep us from being kind and creating a true heart connection with those we interact with.
An yet, I see acts of kindness increasing. With the increasing stress on our planet, it seems to me that many are becoming more kind. We stand by each other. I see more and more people standing up for community and treating others with respect and kindness.
Kindness is one of the essentials to our existence. From birth we are nurtured in kindness. Therefore, kindness is a part of our DNA.
What is kindness, anyway?
According to Psychology Today, “Kindness means a behavioral response of compassion and actions that are selfless; or a mindset that places compassion for others before one’s own interests.”
Kindness is the ways both big and small that we express compassion, concern, consideration and care for ourselves and others. Kindness transcends race, religion, social class and language barriers.
Being kind has a big impact on the world around us and on ourselves in ways that most don’t realize. It has many benefits including increasing our happiness and helping us have a healthy heart.
You probably don’t realize you’re performing many kindnesses every day. Simple things like smiling and greeting others in a friendly way, complimenting someone about their hair, clothes, laugh or something they do are acts of kindness.
Helping someone in some way, opening a door or saying thank you, please or excuse me are kind acts. It shows kindness when you don’t gossip, find fault in others or make negative judgments either.
This Week’s Contemplation:
This week, pay more attention to the role of kindness in your life. Ask yourself the following questions. Remember that there is not right or wrong. This is simply an exercise in awareness.
- What does kindness mean to you?
- Do others treat you with kindness?
- Do you treat others with kindness?
- How do you see that in your life?
By contemplating these questions, you will be increasing the awareness of kindness in your life. Again, there is no right or wrong. This is an exercise in awareness.
May your life be filled with kindness, 💗Bindu
