a special feature from Leslie Zinberg & Kay Ziplow, founders

We talk about mindfulness and how important it is to stay on top of your emotional well-being, but let’s look into the topic of KINDNESS and remind ourselves how to share the love. Concern for others and connecting with others are powerful qualities. People develop trust in you and remember you because of your acts of kindness. Research has shown the relationship between kindness and happiness. The more you practice kindness towards others, the happier you will be.

November 13th is World Kindness Day. Let’s celebrate the joyous occasion by practicing acts of kindness. Try out the following ten tips and experience the inner peace and happiness of taking actions to be kinder and more compassionate:

#1 – Give Something
Generosity is an act of kindness. There are plenty of ways to give: donate money to charity, volunteer your time to help the needy, or bring a gift or a souvenir whenever you visit a friend. Even at home, we can always lend a helping hand by offering to wash the dishes, vacuum the floor, or clean the bathrooms.

#2 – Say “Thank You” More
Saying thank you is an expression of gratitude. A grateful heart is all it takes to express kindness. Appreciation, even for the smallest things, helps us to expand our heart and capacity for unconditional love.

#3 – Praise Someone
Giving a sincere praise to someone is an act of kindness. A jealous and envious person will always be stingy in giving praise. By giving words of recognition to others, we can help them to develop confidence in themselves.

#4 – Speak Gently
A gentle voice is like a soothing breeze in spring. Always speak with gentleness so that people who listen to us feel at ease and experience a sense of peace and joy.

#5 – Send Good Wishes
Secretly send people good intentions, wishes, and prayer. Kindness always begin with a kind thought.

#6 – Encourage Someone
Speak words of comfort, affirmation, and encouragement. This is the way to give people hope and strength to carry on in times of adversity.

#7 – Give a Hug
Research has shown that a good hug gets the oxytocin flowing in the body which calms our nervous system and boosts positive emotions. Do not underestimate the power of the physical touch in expressing loving-kindness.

#8 – Be Patient
Patience is a virtue. Without patience, a person will be easily agitated and edgy. If people treat us in an unkind manner, be patient and treat them with gentleness and kindness instead.

#9 – Be Magnanimous
Have a big heart to forgive others and let go of past resentment. Holding grudges, anger, and resentment bring nothing but miseries. A spirit of magnanimity is a cornerstone of kindness.

#10 – Smile and Laugh
Lastly, smile and laugh more often! A smile is always the most beautiful cosmetic in the world. If you always look grumpy and grouchy, people will stay away from you. Smile, chortle, or laugh to your heart’s content. Make someone’s day by giving them a genuine big smile.*

Take a look at one of our previous articles on creating kindness in your life

*Portions resourced from: https://www.lotus-happiness.com/10-simple-ways-kind-others/