Simply getting on with our lives, no matter how rewarding and meaningful, cannot produce the sense of fulfillment and pure joy that kindness and acts of giving back into the world that nurtures and nourishes us can! Think of moments like when your friend likes the birthday present you spent weeks choosing for her, or how you feel when you volunteer a few hours of your week at a local animal shelter or the numerous instances of passing warmth and connection when you exchange smiles with a stranger on your otherwise banal morning commute! All of these experiences are essentially moments of kindness which is non-transactional and capture the spirit of generosity without expecting anything in return.
What are the benefits of practicing kindness?
Practicing kindness truly makes possible the circular connection between giving and getting since giving into the world does produce tangible gains for you.
Behavioral health professionals are of the opinion that practicing kindness on a regular basis is directly linked to higher self-esteem, better mood, and sustained release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, all of which are integral to stable mental wellbeing! Not only that, your everyday acts of kindness have real potential to make someone else’s life more enriched and fulfilling as well.
Ways to incorporate kindness into your life:
The first step is, to begin with being kind to yourself. That’s right, treating yourself kindly, allowing yourself to rest when you need to, and being generous with yourself when you deserve it will already make kindness a part of your general outlook on life. Giving back to your body and mind that function relentlessly to make your life possible can create a sense of contentment that can equip you to give back into the world as well.
Remember to show compassion to others, smile at someone else to brighten their day, or lend a hand to someone in need of help. These little acts of kindness can go a long way in cultivating a habit of kindness. The balance between being kind to yourself and being kind to others is crucial and maintaining this balance is so graceful and rewarding, that’s why we call kindness an art! A bonus tip is to start small, its smaller sustained acts of kindness that have the potential to birth a larger approach.
Always remember: “Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness.” – Khalil Gibran. In being kind to ourselves and to others around us lies the key to contentment!