Kindness

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see – Mark Twain

Isn’t that an amazing statement? At the same time, quite the reminder. A reminder that kindness is not only a universal language, but also one that we should be speaking every day. A language that we can be bringing into all our interactions with everyone on a daily basis.

Wikipedia tells us that: “Kindness is a type of behaviour marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return. Kindness is a topic of interest in philosophy, religion, and psychology. Kindness was one of the main topics in the Bible.”

Why is kindness important?

Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community. What better way to spread kindness, than to pay it forward. To encourage the next person to treat others as they have been treated, when the act of kindness has been bestowed on them!

Top 10 Bonus Benefits of Being Kind

• Kindness Makes us Happier. When we do something kind for someone else, we feel good

• Kindness Is Good for the Heart, both yours and others

• Kindness Slows Ageing – of course it does!

• Kindness Improves Relationships. Without a shadow of doubt, people always want to be around others who treat them with kindness.

• Kindness is Contagious. Yes, it definitely is. So pass it on!

• Kindness supports the immune system. Through the act of being kind, our bodies automatically release feel-good hormones and feel-good hormones are so beneficial to us. Being kind can boost your own happiness levels because it increases serotonin and dopamine – the neurotransmitters that create the feeling of satisfaction. Kindness also increases your sense of connection to others.

• Kindness supports mental health. Yes, definitely every aspect of mental health. Just think about you being kind to someone when they truly need it – not only does it improve their mental health, but the way that you feel uplifting someone else, plays into supporting your mental health as well.

• Kindness eases anxiety. Again, in every aspect and both for you and the person that you’re interacting with.

What reward is there in being kind?

Often acts of kindness are simple, free, positive and healthy. Acts of kindness have been shown to increase self-esteem and feelings of empathy and compassion. Kindness can increase your sense of connectivity with others, which can directly affect loneliness, improve low mood and enhance relationships in general. In simple terms – be kind to someone and you will reap the rewards, without any effort on your part. It just is so!

Kindness makes the world a better place. Acts of kindness can uplift your spirit in so many ways, as does being compassionate, generous, and considerate. Being kind is all about your genuine intentions to help everyone around you feel safe, comfortable, and understood.

I’ll end this message today with this powerful statement from Charles Glassman : “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.”

#Kindness #Empathy #Reward # Self-esteem