Why Should We Practice Kindness?

"Kindness and compassion carry with them their own rewards, spreading joy and warmth to both the giver and the receiver, leaving a lasting imprint of positivity on our world."

Michael Corthell

Kindness is a powerful force that has the ability to create a positive impact on individuals, communities, and the world. It involves treating others with compassion, empathy, and respect, and it holds the potential to foster understanding, harmony, and personal growth.

Practicing kindness is essential in today's society for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances well-being. Acts of kindness release endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, leading to improved emotional well-being and a greater sense of happiness.

Secondly, kindness builds stronger relationships. By demonstrating genuine care and consideration for others, we foster trust, communication, and empathy. This forms the foundation of meaningful connections and strengthens interpersonal relationships.

Moreover, kindness promotes positive change. When individuals engage in acts of kindness, they inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of compassion and empathy. This contributes to the creation of a more inclusive, supportive, and harmonious community.

Lastly, practicing kindness cultivates personal growth. It allows individuals to develop essential qualities such as patience, empathy, and selflessness. It challenges our biases, expands our perspectives, and promotes a greater understanding of the human experience.

In a world that often seems divided and chaotic, the practice of kindness emerges as a vital tool for healing, connection, and positive change. By embracing kindness in our daily lives, we uplift ourselves and contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious society.

A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.

Research has demonstrated that acts of kindness can minimize the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as increase your self-esteem, energy, and optimism. And feeling calmer and happier, it’s good for your physical health too! Kindness also helps lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and improve overall heart health.

“Be kind. It's worthwhile to make an effort to learn

 about other people and figure out what you might have in common with them.”
― Viggo Mortensen

You don’t even have to be the one doing or receiving an act of kindness to feel the positive effects. 

Simply seeing a kind act, can get you health and feel-good benefits. Studies also show that kindness is contagious. Whether you see, do, or receive an act of kindness, you’re more likely to pay it forward.

Ways to Practice Kindness

If you’re thinking that acts of kindness require time and money, you'd be wrong.  Consider that sometimes inaction can be the easiest way to practice kindness. Have you ever seen something that you find ridiculous or appalling on social media? Skip writing a snarky comment. Did someone cut you off in traffic or not let you in? Ignore them. Focus on adding positive energy to the world instead.

Kindness Toward Animals

Could it be that the key to world peace can be unlocked by animals? Going vegan is one of the primary keys to creating a peaceful, thriving world. Go HERE to find out all the information you need.

Resources:

1. Lyubomirsky, S., et al. (2005). Pursuing Happiness: The Architecture of Sustainable Change. Review of General Psychology.
2. Algoe, S. B., et al. (2010). It's the Little Things: Everyday Interactions that Enhance Interpersonal Connection. Social Psychological and Personality Science.
3. McFarland, S., et al. (2017). Social Influence in a Digital World. Annual Review of Psychology.
4. Haidt, J. (2006). The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom.

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How one act of kindness a day can change your life