Why You Should Be Kind to Everyone, Always
Although kindness is encouraged in most religions and is recognised as a value in many cultures, sometimes it is really hard to be kind. We all know this. In fact, at some times in our lives, it feels easier to be cruel, especially when we are not in a good place and we think the world is against us. If our self-esteem is a bit shaky, or if we want to be perceived as strong by others, then sometimes we act rudely towards people.
But underneath this appearance we are all vulnerable. As Plato once said, "Be kind, because everyone finds themselves fighting an uphill battle". If we think rationally, we would probably understand that people do horrible things because they are suffering. Sometimes a person cannot realize how unkind he is being, because deep down he feels terrible about himself.
Remember, however, that what we cause, we receive! Research has shown that being kind to others increases our own levels of happiness as well as theirs. What's more, it has a multiplier effect, kindness is contagious, so it makes a bigger impact on our surroundings beyond what we might think.
So, let's take a reflection on kindness and see how we can be kind to ourselves and be kind to others.
What Is an Act of Kindness?
An act of kindness is a gesture of goodwill towards someone or something. Random acts of kindness can be performed anywhere, anytime.
It can be as simple as a smile at the supermarket checkout, offering your seat to the old lady on the bus, or buying a sandwich for the hungry homeless man. It is a way to connect, even if only for a brief moment, with those people who pass in our lives on a daily basis.
It doesn't have to cost anything, it can be anything, anyone, what is important is that it is an act in which we express genuine care for another person. In fact, there is no limit to the ways in which we can be kind to others, all we need to do is pay attention to those around us and start seeing opportunities to help !
But why should I act kindly towards others?
Well, if you have not yet understood that you are good just for the sake of being good, then you may be influenced by this information.
There are many ways of looking at why we should act with kindness. The ancient Greeks, for example, saw being kind as being rational, emphasizing the positive effects of kindness on societies, not only being beneficial for the salvation of the soul after death, but in this life too !
Why ? Well, because scientific research says that human beings are designed for love and compassion. Our communities flourish when we are kind to each other ! We see others more positively and empathise with them, we gain trust through connection, and when we strengthen our community connections in this way, we feel safe. We get support in return when we need it, not necessarily in a "help me and I'll help you" kind of way, but by building a wider support network.
A recent study, for example, showed that one anonymous person donated a kidney triggering a cascading effect where others did the same, up to 30 people received a new kidney because of one act of kindness !
What's more, when we support others, we increase dopamine levels in the brain, bringing us a kind of sense of well being. Emotional warmth also produces oxytocin, which reduces blood pressure and free radicals associated with ageing... Cheaper (and more relaxing) than an expensive face cream, should you want to buy !
Oh, and in case these good reasons aren't enough for you, guess what ? Kindness makes people want to be around us. One of the most common answers is that kindness generates gratitude, this means that people appreciate what we do for them and seek our company!
All Right, I'm Convinced. So, how can I try to be kinder?
Do something nice for yourself.
Do one good thing for yourself each day, that does not involve the purchase of some product. Congratulate yourself on your achievements, or have a long, relaxing bath in the tub!
Do Something Good For Someone.
Each day, try to do something nice for someone else. Open the door for someone, offer them a real compliment, or donate some money to someone in need. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it helps someone!
Resist Any Impulse To Be Cruel.
If you're on the verge of being unkind to someone, stop and think: What are you hoping to get out of it? And if someone is rude to you, don't take it personally. Remember, he is probably in pain.
Of course, kindness requires courage. Special
