World Kindness Day

​Today is World Kindness Day but how does one start looking at what kindness is, how do we define it or describe it?
 
At dictionary .com it is defined as “The state or quality of being kind”- Personally I think this not helpful whatsoever. It leads me to wonder what does it mean to be “kind” and how what are the qualities that enable someone’s Kindness?
 
We may use a lot of other words to describe someone who is kind- considerate, giving, affectionate, altruistic, amicable, charitable, compassionate, friendly, humane, loving and the list goes on. It seems however that all of these words carry a different quality.
 
Kindness can be taught, and can have a domino affect on others. The more self-aware you are, you empathize with others and acknowledge the differences and difficulties that not only you face but others face; you gain a better understanding of what is right, the more appreciative and grateful you become and by extension you become kinder.
Biologically it triggers different parts of the brain, associated with positive emotions, pleasure as well as may create similar effects to exercise.
 
Psychologically it falls under the umbrella of Positive Psychology where one is encouraged to look at positive characteristics and behaviours. (another post will follow on Positive Psychology).
 
Why don’t you try a little experiment of yourself-

• Notice when you feel kindness towards someone- it could be a friend, a colleague or even a stranger
• Do 1 act of kindness- it can be as small or as little
  • Give a compliment to someone
  • Help a friend out
  • Call a friend who may be down
  • Write a surprise note to someone
  • Thank someone for something- can be hand written or a simple post-it or a card
  • Make a drawing for someone
  • Write an affirmation for someone
  • Write things you are grateful for