“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Amelia Earhart.
It’s World Kindness Day on Friday this week. This is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world.
This day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, has the purpose to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. Participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations.
It was first launched in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement, an organisation formed at a 1997 Tokyo conference of like-minded kindness organisations from around the world. There are currently over 27 nations involved in The World Kindness Movement which is not affiliated with any religion or political movement. The mission of the World Kindness Movement and World Kindness Day is to create a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations towards greater kindness.
Whilst I think it’s great that there is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting kindness, there’s also a part of me that finds it sad that there isn’t more kindness expressed in the world already and throughout the whole year.
Perhaps we can all learn from the Dalai Lama who, when asked about his philosophy to life said “Be kind.”
Research suggests that there are many benefits to us being kind. It makes us healthier, happier and can improve our results. It gives us a greater sense of wellbeing, makes us more emotionally resilient and reduces our stress levels.
People have many different motivations for performing acts of kindness. These can range from the desire to give something back, to helping themselves to feel more purposeful. It can be as simple as wanting to feel good.
A piece of research from British Columbia University suggested that people who were given $50 to spend, got more pleasure from spending it on others than spending it on themselves.
Acts of kindness can take many forms and range from planned activity such as volunteering our time to a worthy cause to more spontaneous acts. It doesn’t have to involve money. There are many simple ways we can all perform small acts of kindness.
For example, we can give a compliment, smile at a stranger, perform some chores for an elderly person, visit someone who lives alone, buy a cup of coffee for a homeless person or donate unwanted items to charity.
We could make a loved one a cup of tea or coffee and do the same for a colleague who is under pressure. We can let someone go in front of us in a queue, give an unexpected gift or some form of recognition or appreciation.
We can be there for someone who is going through a challenging time and actively listen to what they are saying without judgement. This simple act of caring can help someone feel valued and better.
Each act of kindness may seem tiny but it actually brings about change and shifts the way we see ourselves and others. This in turn changes the way that others see us. Kindness can also have the effect of helping us to feel more grateful for what we have in life and optimistic about the future.
In summary, kind actions affect people’s lives in a positive way. They may inspire and encourage others to perform some kind acts too. No act of kindness, however small, is ever a waste of time and energy. They help contribute to making the world a better place.
This week, why not pause for a few moments to reflect and consider what you can do to help create a kinder world.
To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk