‘The miracle of kindness is that it is contagious and something we should all want to pass on and spread to many others.’
Psychology Today
Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week.
According to Psychology Today, ‘Kindness means a behavioural response of compassion and actions that are selfless; or a mindset that places compassion for others before one’s own interests.’
If we practice kindness as a regular habit, a number of studies have found that it can have a directly positive impact of our own mental and physical health too. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation have put together this helpful little video to help us understand some of the science behind it:
So if kindness is contagious and it benefits others and ourselves, we think it would be good to start making a habit of it.
In fact, one of the things that we love about kindness is that it fits really well with our Wellbeing Triangle. Because kindness, in its own way, helps us to connect with ourselves, others and Other.
How?
Self
As we begin to practice regular acts of kindness, we can find that our happiness and positivity increase. Kindness promotes gratitude within us. As we become more grateful and our happiness increases, our wellbeing is enhanced. Part of connecting with ourselves and understanding ourselves is about connecting with our emotions; as we practice kindness we might find that we’re unlocking something of ourselves as we connect with the emotions and feelings that are stirred within us.
Others
It is likely that in doing acts of kindness, we will connect with others. In these interactions with others, the release of oxytocin is enhanced and bonds are strengthened. This connection helps to strengthen our and others sense of community and belonging. And, as we’ve already read, it’s contagious. As kindness spreads, people become more and more connected and the sense of community grows further.
‘Other’
The regular habit of kindness, being selfless in serving others and giving to others, can also lift us spiritually. In fact, a number of the major world religions - Buddhism, Islam, Jews and Christians - all regard kindness as central to faith. As we live kindly, we may find that we in some way connect to an Other-ness.
Throughout this week we’re going to be thinking about kindness. Kindness as a practice of life. Kindness as actions. Kindness as words. Kindness to others. Kindness to ourselves.
What will you do this week to share a little kindness?
Source : Why Random Acts of Kindness Matter to Your Well-being, Psychology Today