Such egoless moments are exquisite! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When he got home at the end of the day, he discovered that he had created a chain of giving that had not only continued all that day but had been highlighted on NBC News and within twenty-four hours had spread around the world on the Internet. 7 reasons why kindness matters. This is why the concept of understanding random acts of kindness dawns a little late on them. And this is fascinating – when you take acetaminophen (a paracetamol painkiller), studies show not only a decrease in pain , but also a decrease in empathy and compassion. In western culture, karma follows a simpler cause and effect relationship; do something benevolent (with genuine intentions), and the universe will return those good graces. So, go on, on your way home today, show a stranger some kindness to end their day on a positive note. Kindness is, in fact, linked to feelings of happiness and content on psychological and spiritual levels. Basically, a RAOK makes you simply feel good, it boosts your body’s healing system and acts as an anti-depressant. We can both give and receive. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier” – Mother Teresa. Knowing that you’ve made someone’s day better through a kind and unexpected gesture will improve your mood and make you feel good about yourself. Why teaching kindness matters & how we go about it. Although showing our friends kindness can be effortless, sometimes it pays to be thorough and thoughtful. In jobs and in future relationships, kindness will take our children “further in life than any college degree.”. Here’s why: Spreading kindness not … Improves your immune system and health. It’s an inspiring quote and something we can learn from and aim to achieve. Folks, your kind attitude have the power to pull others positive activities in your life like Gratitude, Forgiveness, Patience, Power, Money, Happiness, Joy, Compassion, Pleasing personality etc. Showing kindness to strangers doesn’t always mean donating to charitable foundations. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. To succeed, they must enroll the help of concerned citizens from around the world.This inspiring story is told through the use of Folkmanis Puppets and enhanced by the musical sounds of Lucie Lynch and The Perfect Wave. As for the individual who was fortunate enough to experience your generous act, it can turn a bad day into a pleasant one, and it’ll be something they’ll undoubtedly tell others and remember for years to come. The magnitude of the act is not important. Aesop once said, “no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”. Such behavior is surely the ground of a healthy and joyful society, where we happily give of ourselves to help another and such an act is happily received. Aesop, the ancient Greek storyteller, once said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” If random acts of kindness don’t come easily to you, try this challenge: do one small, kind thing each day for someone. Kindness is shown through the everyday acts we do in our daily lives. It’s a simple story, about a basic act: kindness. Found insideWhen Cade and his family learn their ice cream treats were paid for by another patron, it starts a discussion about random acts of kindness and what it means to "pay it forward. Found insideThis important book teaches effective skills in compassion, mindfulness, and social and emotional learning, and reveals successful social policy initiatives in empathy taking place that inform everything from family life to education to the ... What stops us from acting this way? One, Waterparks released their newest album Greatest Hi, As the end of the 2020-2021 school year approaches, Baseball season is in full swing! Why Random Acts of Kindness can help us feel happier. We have no clue what amazing things God can do with our acts of kindness. When attempting our suggested random acts of kindness, try doing them for the unselfish advantages listed below, not for power, wealth or persuasion. In the middle of an extremely difficult time for my family, I experienced the most incredible generosity from a complete stranger and the unexpected kindness of a major airline. by Themeansar. Friends are always there for us when we need them and never fail to put a smile on our faces regardless of what we do. Needless to say, my friend was over the moon with her personalized CD and immediately played it in her car. Then pay attention to the impact on you. Back in the 1930s, Hallmark Cards came up with the original idea of World Friendship Day. How can you bring more kindness and beauty into your life? Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. It can involve paying for someone’s cup of coffee in your local café, volunteering to help at a homeless shelter or helping an elderly person with their shopping. To experiment with this, I dedicated a week to endless acts of kindness for friends, strangers and myself. 12. So, practice. Found inside. . From Woman’s Day Editor-in-Chief Susan Spencer comes a heartwarming book featuring 365 kindness-focused actions. With beautifully whimsical illustrations by artist Jutta Kuss, this book shows how small acts can make a big difference. Check it out, link is in, Leesville has been able to acquire some of the bes, In honor of Black History Month LRHS news is excit, Why random acts of kindness are important, Huge Substitute Shortage Impacts North Carolina, Leesville’s Opinion on National Gun Control. Planting a tree. Why Simple Acts of Kindness Matter I want to take a moment to share a story with you. “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” When we practice random acts of kindness, It releases positivity: We feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which then makes them more likely to … And the same qualities also stop us from being able to freely receive. If we can’t treat ourselves once in awhile, how can we be selfless enough to treat others? The Random Acts of Kindness website has some cool posters for your classroom, calendars, coloring pages, bookmarks, and even an award certificate for the student that shows kindness. It enhances both physical and mental health. Found insideAnd over fifty more ways you can change a life. HumanKind will leave you grateful for what you have and provide a refuge from the negativity that surrounds us. This feel-good book will touch your heart. Pasi Sahlberg and Timothy D. Walker suggest seven key principles for building a culture of trust in schools, from offering clinical training for future teachers to encouraging student agency to fostering a collaborative professionalism ... 3. Now that you know why random acts of kindness are so important and beneficial to your well-being Why is it time to incorporate them into your life? Kindness Makes Us Happier: A Study conducted at the University of California in which a group of people were asked to do random kindness acts daily for about 2 months showed that happiness levels of … Ed and Deb are the authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. When we practice random acts of kindness, It releases positivity: We feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which then makes them more likely to be kind to other people. This is why the concept of understanding random acts of kindness dawns a little late on them. Our bodies and minds reward us when we go out of the way for other people. All Rights Reserved. This week’, It’s National Decision Day!! Choose a friend and celebrate them on a random day; I love the idea of doing random acts of kindness, no matter how small they may seem. We serve a big God! Research has found that kindness encourages increased health and increased emotional well-being in the workplace in the following ways: Increases Energy Levels. Acts of kindness release a hormone called serotonin which generates a feeling of calmness and can even boost self-esteem. Random acts of kindness. Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Yeah, this kinda a selfish reason to do something kind, but if you are … A random act of kindness can be defined as a selfless act performed by a person or people with the aim of assisting or helping others. Continuing a trend from last years class of 2021, First day of school - ✅ This is why carrying out random acts of kindness whenever you can is so important. If the recipient doesn't Express gratitude, that doesn't change things for me. Not only will it give you a family activity, but it will promote family relationships and bonding. Get in on practicing random acts of kindness as a family. Why can’t we be kind to each other? I take pleasure in acts of kindness. Kindness has been shown to benefit our emotional wellbeing and improve overall happiness. No act of kindness is too small or insignificant. Sadly, this speaks more about the suspicious world we live in than about the nature of kindness. It enhances both physical and mental health. The man in line behind him was getting impatient and angry, leaning on his horn and shouting insults at both Arthur and the Starbucks workers. This was one of the few responses I received: It was heartwarming to know that a quick message could turn someone’s entire day around, especially because it took virtually no effort on my part. God smiles on kindness. Therefore, Kindness becomes that virtue which is very much needed in this otherwise cruel world. So why are random acts of kindness important? Large or small, kindness is kindness. I hope, through reading my story, you’ll be inspired to open yourself up to the idea of both giving and receiving more kindness. It’s a win-win for all! That makes you happy too. But if you’re in need of inspiration, here are some ideas: Leave a suspended coffee. What is Kindness Week? Some people don’t have clean water, others live on the streets, others are in broken relationships, struggling with anxiety, grieving the death of a loved one. If you lift up those around you, that kindness may spread, making the world just that much better. Kindness is a revolution whose time has come and, while most people sincerely want to be more caring, Practice Random Acts of Kindness brings it all home with simple suggestions of how to be kinder and why. Kindness and cooperation cultivates ideas, love and support within communities which will allow humanity to flourish well into the future. Here are even more reasons why. Talk to them about the world and the people living in it. It provides a place for the community to donate their old knickknacks and clothing to those on a tighter budget. The good news is that a simple act of kindness can reward our bodies and minds with feel-good chemical substances. Reset. Survey finds 91% of people wish the world was filled with more random acts of kindness and smiles. For a quick rundown of how kindness affects happiness, check out these health facts from Random Acts of Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to kindness education. Found insideIn this inspiring book, Sharon Salzberg, one of America's leading spiritual teachers, shows us how the Buddhist path of lovingkindness can help us discover the radiant, joyful heart within each of us. 20 Random Acts Of Kindness › Entertainment. Why are random acts of kindness important? Similar to performing random acts of kindness, self-compassion can have a positive impact on your general happiness, your satisfaction in life, and emotional intelligence. Research shows that repeated acts of kindness: Makes you happier. Readers will learn how they can use kindness to: • motivate employees, committee members, and others • recognize unique talents while nurturing all employees • establish a supportive environment • spur continuous organizational ... It makes you feel good. Kindness is not only good for the recipient, but also for the one performing an act of kindness. Nice guys may finish last, but kind guys don’t worry about where they finish, or about finishing at all. Inspired by a TikTok tre, The senior staff’s last day in Room 240 :(( Happ, Our 2021 Senior Issue is now up on our site!! 2. Posted Nov 16, 2017 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma Endorphin levels also rise, leading to a phenomenon known as a ' helper’s high ' (just like what I experienced). Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and while it certainly shoudn’t be confined to a single tick on the calendar, we at IDEAL are all about the small (or big) altruistic acts. Although wonderful in its intention, recently there appears to be some confusion about it, particularly the practice random acts of kindness part. 50 Random Acts of Kindness for Kids Some of the ideas we have shared in our series about teaching kids to serve others require a little more time, planning, and sometimes money. There are so many stories about random acts of kindness. You can order a copy of our latest book at: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World. Kindness inspires gratitude, happiness, spontaneity, and it motivates others to be kind and pass it on. These stories remind us that we all have something to offer. The more you give, the more you will have! Think about the power behind that statement. Random acts of kindness can be that simple. According to a post on their site, Random Acts of Kindness Day started appearing on calendars in February. We know the evidence. A Simple Act of Kindness. Kindness is a simple quality and a common trait of good people. It means to be nice, respectful, or friendly and it can be shown in many ways. In it's best form it is given to others freely, without conditions, stipulations and without any expectation of anything in return. Then pay attention to the impact on you. If we’ve inspired you to perform a random act of kindness, then why not do it for World Friendship Day? This is the most powerful act of generosity, as it is unconditional, unattached, and free to land wherever it will. February 17, 2018 . In turn, bonds between those who are kind to one another are strengthened. Why Random Acts Of Kindness Are So Important. The important thing to remember is that being kinder means making a deliberate effort to put others before yourself. Donna mentioned in the comments below that she takes her son to pass out food to people who need it. Why is kindness important? We may fear that if someone gives without reason that they actually want something from us, or that they have an ulterior motive. It also makes the person being kind happier … That’s why acts of kindness are so important. I recommend this book highly for anyone who wants to live more healthfully” (Christy Turlington Burns, and CEO of Every Mother Counts). Found insideThis book of inspired ideas and good deeds conveys how the power of one?that is, you?can make a better world starting today! 5 Ways To Be Kind To Yourself Today. Because it can make a difference in the world. 2. 1. It always struck us as being the most obvious thing to do, that practicing kindness and beauty should be a natural expression of who we are. For some, they find happiness in taking a break from homework in order to spend time with friends or jog a mile around the neighborhood. This groundbreaking handbook of character strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers who have undertaken the systematic classification and measurement of widely valued positive traits. Found inside – Page 29Doing random acts of kindness can help teach kids to think outside of ... how to create specific projects, teaching kids to be kind people is important. The benefits of kindness are not limited to immune system strengthening and serotonin production. Research has shown that those who routinely engage in acts of kindness, such as volunteers, experience alleviation of stress, chronic pain, and even insomnia. Everyone likes to feel valued. Show one kindness to others. Found insideSince Darwin, scientists have tried to answer this question using evolutionary theory. In The Kindness of Strangers, psychologist Michael E. McCullough shows why they have failed and offers a new explanation instead. This would surely be a miserable place to live, for ultimately, whether spontaneous or planned, we cannot be happy without being kind, by giving and caring for each other. Random acts of kindness can also help our friends and family, as well as ourselves. Hogan has been playing football s…. Illustrates the power of kindness, showing how one small act can have unexpected effects. -- Scott Adams. Can you imagine a world where no one gave to each other? “Spread love everywhere you go. It feels good to make someone happy. Aesop, the ancient Greek storyteller, once said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” If random acts of kindness don’t come easily to you, try this challenge: do one small, kind thing each day for someone. Yet, we always choose to focus on the latter. Why Random Acts of Kindness Are Important. In Your Body Speaks Your Mind, renowned teacher and bestselling author Deb Shapiro shows how understanding your body's 'language of symptoms' can increase your potential for healing. Spontaneity means we are acting on an impulse, in the moment, freely; particularly, that we are moved to do something for someone without any thought of receiving something in return. As Mahatma Gandhi said, Almost anything we do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that we do it. Remember, it doesn’t matter how small the gesture. But don’t forget you can also show yourself kindness, in many forms, and that is just as important. I recently went through my closet and compiled a few shirts and pants I never found myself wearing. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It helps us to be able to function better and feel better and do even more for others. Kindness has that healing touch which could make you smile through your tears and look at the world with a sense of hope. "The trick you need to know: Acts of kindness have to be repeated," Dr IsHak says. In the ancient religions of Buddhism and Hinduism, the term “karma” refers to the sum of actions in a person’s past and present existences; actions that determine fate. If you and your partner are in a negative cycle in your relationship, it can be hard to be kind to each other, but that’s exactly what you should be doing. We first heard the saying practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty, many years ago when we were at Findhorn, the renowned spiritual community in Scotland. Found insideUsing text, quotes, questions and real life stories, The Kindness Advantage is the first book parents need to think about and teach the necessary skills to be a kind, compassionate person. Experts have determined that showing kindness changes the brain, and that selfless acts of giving provide physical and emotional benefits needed for a well-rounded individual. Found insideOne woman's experiment to understand how the power of giving without reward can change lives. One particularly lovely thing about random acts of kindness is that it starts a … Kindness can reduce anxiety. Random acts of kindness, by Wikipedia’s definition, are “selfless act [s] performed by kind people to either help or cheer up a random stranger, for no reason other than to make people happier.”. Judaism even teaches that the world is built on kindness. He paid for the man's coffee and drove away. We know the facts about being kind. Because it happened around the same time as RAKWeek, the Foundation decided to stop officially organizing a week-long event. Where we all just looked after our own needs but ignored everyone else's? Paying tribute to those who provide services is easy, too, like leaving a tip for the competent barista who always makes mornings easier. Firstly, it made me feel valued. Reset. Before you can think about becoming best friends with yourself, you first need to make a choice: whether to hold onto all your feelings of self-doubt, insecurity and hate that have held you back for so long now or to let go and make room for love. Of any scale. Random acts of kindness are unplanned decisions to show compassion towards others. Invariably it is our insecurities, lack of self-esteem and self-love, doubts and inadequacies. A simple random act of kindness can truly make the difference in a person’s life. We're actually genetically wired to be kind. In this book, the author shows that kindness has evolved in us and thus its effects are felt daily throughout our nervous systems. When we can appreciate the beauty of spontaneity it takes us out of such self-centeredness; it enables us to let go of focusing on self and to freely reach out to each other. Knowing that you’ve made someone’s day better through a kind and unexpected gesture will improve your mood and make you feel good about yourself. While on my regular days I produced on average 64 nmol/L of cortisol, on my acts of kindness days I produced just a little under 54 nmol/L, suggesting lower levels of stress. Kindness is free! However, regardless of superstitions, maintaining good karma isn’t the only reason we should act kindly towards others. Invariably it is our insecurities, lack of self-esteem and self-love, doubts and inadequacies. Essay on Kindness. Perhaps it is the use of the world random that is misleading, and that it would be easier if we used the word spontaneous or impulsive instead. Kindness is the quality of being polite and considerate towards others. I’ve been touched by simple acts over the years such as seeing “You are beautiful” written on the bathroom mirror when I … For others, swinging by Dunkin’ Donuts one morning to pick up coffee is enough to brighten the rest of their week. Everyone has a whole wave of challenges they go through. 10 Random Acts of Kindness, great ideas to have a go at building into your week It seems as we strive for more material wealth and consumption, kindness, and compassion toward others become less important. A random act of kindness doesn’t have to cost a fortune; in fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything at all. Learn how your comment data is processed. The volume also includes a comprehensive, annotated bibliography of research on gratitude. This work contributes a great deal to the growing positive psychology initiative and to the scientific investigation of positive human emotions. **** Ed and Deb Shapiro's new book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors such as Marianne Williamson, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Beckwith, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jane Fonda, Jack Kornfield, Byron Katie, Dean Ornish, and others is published by Sterling Ethos. I’m going to give you a great list of random acts of kindness examples in a minute. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Congratulations to, Happy Weekend!! Here are 14 random acts of kindness ideas for families. These acts embody the meaning you attribute to them, and by connecting these acts to your memory of the deceased, you can undertake them in a way that would have also been meaningful to them. ©2021 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. One kind word, one kind compliment, one kind, genuine smile at a stranger, one random act of kindness can have the biggest impact on your life. There are endless ways to perform a random act of kindness, but it’s not how big the effort is, it’s the thought behind it that’s worth more. When we treat others with kindness, sometimes they will pay it forward, and ends up becoming a chain reaction. Secret Kindness Agents was a featured segment on the Hallmark Channel airing of The Christmas Train in December 2017. With that being said, I decided to repay my own friends for all of their love and support throughout the years. Brands such as Lush and Pret A Manger give their in-store staff the ability and discretion to offer full-sized products and free drinks to customers. Open their eyes to other individuals in the school, the many people in the streets you cross daily, and let … This modern allegory inspires taking joyful steps to end hatred and violence. Random Acts of Kindness Benefit #3: Less Pain Along with oxytocin, endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers) are also released when you do random acts of kindness. It could impact someone in ways we never know. 5 IDEAL REASONS WHY RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE SO IMPORTANT. So many children have fun with this Kindness Advent Calendar, print it out and use when it’s Advent. Serotonin is the chemical the brain produces to help regulate mood, social behaviour, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory and sexual desire and function. You never know whose day you might brighten or how you might help someone in need. For a few friends in particular, I typed up a quick, heartfelt text message and sent it to them before they woke up. Both Buddha and Christ were kind and encouraged their followers to be likewise. Keep an eye out for the little opportunities; they tend to have the biggest impact. Random acts of kindness are essential to our wellbeing, as they liberate us from self-obsession, selfishness, and isolation; they are the effect of an open and loving nature. Random acts of kindness promote good feelings among people and increase connections. You name it. Whether it’s something you put a lot of effort into, or something done as a casual gesture, random acts of kindness are sure to go a long way. We work toward that goal by creating free content that promotes kindness toward others & teaches important social emotional learning skills to … Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar. Your email address will not be published. The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Foundation is a small nonprofit that invests our resources into making kindness the norm. Donating these articles of clothing to the GCF store was simple and I left feeling better than I had when I arrived. Basically, a RAOK makes you simply feel good, it boosts your body’s healing system and acts as an anti-depressant. Part of HuffPost Wellness. In order to be kind, we have to pay attention to what is happening around us. Goodwill is the easiest outlet for this. ― Henry James. Humans interact via tech or face to face. What we decide to do for ourselves is completely dependent upon what makes us the happiest. They are selfless ways to make someone smile. Varsity is in th, In the heart of Wake Forest, between all the bustl, STUDENT TAKEOVER!! It enhances the release of oxytocin in interactions where two or more people are engaged in kindness behavior. CNN – Today is “Random Acts of Kindness” Day, but the foundation behind it wants people to be kind every day. And yet we try to keep up tough exteriors, so you never know who may need a lift. Acts of kindness and practicing gratitude go hand in hand. Be polite, considerate, and respectful. When people receive an act of kindness, they pay it … If we feel unworthy then we believe we have nothing to give; if we don't love ourselves then we don't trust why someone would be kind to us. Random acts of kindness are something of a buzz phrase of late, but they can have an important role to play in grief. What stops us from acting this way? It fits in with your theme but on a larger scale! A random act of kindness can be as big or as small as you like. Being kind to others is out of question for most. A few simple words can go a long way to boost someone’s confidence. Each and every person has his or her own personal struggles and conflicts. True generosity is giving without expectation, with no need to be repaid in any form. Performing random acts of kindness promote feelings … Why random acts of kindness are important. 24 Benefits of Kindness - the Why should we practice random Acts of Kindness. Taking a much needed nap, as simple as it sounds, was how I treated myself. These acts can materialize in different ways. It’s easier to be kind than not to be. Found inside"...a beautiful book with a beautiful message...the book shows young children how easy it is to be kind through small acts and in simple ways..."—R.J. Palacio, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder What Does It Mean to Be Kind ... Random acts of kindness involve a selfless act that benefits another person or animal, and although the act itself is selfless, the benefit is also self-fulfilling.