#88 Kindness
Did you know that kindness contagious, and offers numerous benefits not only to the giver but also chemically impacting the brains of those who witness the kind act. This means kindness truly possesses the power to make the world a happier place. The warm and fuzzy feeling that accompanies being kind is rooted in biology, as research suggests that acts of kindness cause a surge in "happy" chemicals, including oxytocin and serotonin, within the body. When we choose kindness, we initiate a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the moment, boosting our own well-being while inspiring those around us.
The Benefits of Kindness:
The Dalai Lama once offered simple yet potent advice: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." These words remind us that we are always responsible for how we show up, bringing us back to our true loving essence. Kindness is far from a new phenomenon; even Charles Darwin, well known for his work on evolution, argued that humans are inherently social, caring beings who possess natural compassion and sympathy for one another. While being kind costs nothing to the giver, everyone gains immensely from it. Ultimately, choosing kindness reminds us that everything is connected and that we are all unified in this journey together.
Kindness Facts:
According to researchers at Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed.
Acts of kindness give our love hormone levels a boost.
Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller!
Committing acts of kindness lowers blood pressure.
A University of British Columbia Study studied a group of highly anxious individuals performing at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals.
A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that generous people were happiest overall.
Being kind helps alleviate our lousy mood when stressed and allows us to experience more positive emotions.
Research shows that doing random acts of kindness triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood stability, and oxytocin, a hormone that makes you feel connected to other people.
How Can I Make An Impact ?
Action 1: Global Goodness
There are numerous opportunities each day to be kind.
Speak kind words to others. Set an intention to say at least 10 kind things to others each day.
Be kind on the road. Allow someone to cut ahead of you.
Smile at people throughout your day.
Say a kind gesture to your store clerk or give a compliment.
Action 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1
Share a laugh with someone
Be truly grateful for each moment so kindness can move through you.
We are all entitled to bad days, but be conscious of your effect on others.
Action 3: Earth Angel
All of Action 1 & 2
Remember, the person before you, has all the inner resources necessary to effectively respond to each situation.
Consciously look for the loving essence in others, as it is always present.
Be kind to yourself. Learn to show yourself the kindness you regularly give others.
