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“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”
–Morgan Freeman, American Actor
At Plow & Hearth we recently observed National Random Acts of Kindness week during the month of February. It encouraged us to put kindness first, foster a culture of kindness in the workplace and share it everywhere we go.
Random Acts of Kindness Day was first created in Denver, Colorado on February 17th in 1995. It was so rewarding a week-long nationwide celebration began in 2018. There is even a World Kindness Day observed on November 13.
The goal of these observances is to improve schools, the workplace, families, and society through kindness – a positive action that leaves someone in a better situation than before. It’s a way to help each other though the power of a smile, a caring word or a listening ear.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
–Dalai Lama, Spiritual Leader of Tibet
We readily acknowledge kindness benefits those we bestow it on, but psychiatrists say being kind also offers countless benefits to those who practice it as well. Performing random acts of kindness fuels personal energy and self-esteem. It’s good for your heart and decreases harmful chemicals in the body. The release of serotonin in the brain when we practice kindness initiates a chemical reaction that makes us feel good.
Science shows the benefits of exhibiting kindness include:
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
–Amelia Earhart, American Aviator
It’s contagious too! When we see someone do something kind, we often want to do something nice as well. And just witnessing an act of kindness and compassion makes us feel better. For example, open a door for someone who has their hands full and then look around – everyone viewing the gesture is cheered, just because they saw something nice.
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”
– James Matthew Barrie, Scottish Novelist
Science shows we prefer kindness and compassion, and our capacity for it grows with practice. According to neuroscientists cultivating an attitude of compassion activates the brain’s neural network responsible for caring for our young. Practicing kindness strengthens this wiring in our brain and just like with anything else, the more you practice, the stronger the capacity for kindness, empathy and care becomes.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
–Desmond Tutu, South African Theologian
Ready to put some kindness into action? Once you start, the easier it is. And, you’ll create a ripple effect that can inspire others to spread kindness too. Here are over 50 ideas to inspire you and get you started on the kindness train!
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
– AESOP, Ancient Greek Fabulist and Storyteller
Get many more ideas and find kindness information and inspiration:
We are rooted in the belief that all people can connect through kindness and that kindness can be taught...
A three-month old infant sits propped up in her mother’s lap, entranced by a puppet show. A small dog tries to lift a heavy bag, and a kind teddy bear helps...
We all know the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated...
