And just like that, kindness really is present in anyone, but it sometimes needs a bit of a wakeup call to become more pronounced. That may be the realisation that someone did something for you when you were unable to do so, or witnessing another person being helped or giving assistance. Those moments make us realise that there is more to life than looking out for yourself, although that IS an important element in life, too.
Kindness is closely linked with the concept of humility. Being humble allows you to extend a hand to those in need, without the expectation of being given something in return. Rarely has the saying “a good deed is reward in itself” been more true: being kind to someone just like that has an infinite potential to make you feel better and happier yourself. It’s one of the few moments where through your actions you give yourself a pat on the back at the same time, without even realising you are doing it. The effect is instantaneous: you will feel better about yourself. At the same time, being kind to others is a perfect recipe to overcome worries of your own. That little injection of positive energy is going to put issues in your own life into perspective. That insurmountable problem you faced may just look a little less daunting in light of the problems of that other person. The amazing thing is this: kindness increases not just from receiving it, but also from giving it! Kindness doesn’t cost you anything, but it will change your mindset before, during and after the act. You may have heard the term ‘karma points’ that you can gain from such actions. I dislike the transactional nature of this saying, but I do acknowledge the effect to some level: it doesn’t matter if you believe in karma, you will be changed in some minute way by each act of kindness. That change comes in many shapes and sizes: maybe it’s a buzz from being there for your friends, a sense of achievement from helping with a chore you weren’t sure you could do, or a learning experience from holding someone’s hand when they needed it. The notion of ‘karma points’ implies you can exchange those for something else, but ultimately you’re not paying into a savings account here: being kind instils kindness in others who may just pay it forward in some other form. Next time you get a chance to show kindness, just do it. Don't hesitate to be good.
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About me
These are my own thoughts on aspects of my work I feel strongly about. Archives
September 2021
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