Kind is Cool

​Kindness makes a huge difference to how we feel about ourselves, others and our lives. Research tells us the areas of the brain which respond with pleasure to monetary rewards and chocolate are also stimulated when we show kindness to others. It is when we are mindfully kind, grateful and compassionate that we experience true happiness.  We all know how good it feels when we are able to be available to connect and show kindness to others and ourselves too.

We are all doing kind, generous things for each other all day but we often don’t stop to notice them. It is helpful to bring mindful awareness to these times, no matter how small. For example, a smile can totally change someone’s day for the better. It is also helpful to notice the kindness of others. Especially fun and powerful are those times we do anonymous kind things; this takes the self-interest out of our actions. Sometimes appearances can be deceptive. For example, as a parent we can say “No” to our children in a very strong and firm voice, with the kind intention of helping them prevent harm, to themselves or others. Our kind intention is what matters. 

We are all interdependent, so every situation and person allows us the opportunity to practice kindness. Practicing kindness to others helps us form a positive, happy perception of ourselves. We can, therefore, be grateful to others for this opportunity. The secret of our own happiness lies in our efforts to bring happiness to others. 

Kindness to all includes kindness to YOU. It is equally important to be kind to yourself as well as others. It can be as simple as treating yourself as you want others to treat you. That is with respect, understanding, love and compassion. We often unconsciously treat ourselves unkindly with negative self-talk. We judge, criticize, belittle and are unforgiving toward ourselves, often, despite being a kind friend to others. Often we are not aware of how these unkind thought habits run our lives and undermine our confidence and peace of mind. 

Being kind  is an effective way to find meaning in our lives. It is when we focus on the strengths and talents we all have, and how we can best use these to be of benefit to others, that we find true happiness and meaning in our lives. It does not matter what we do. We can serve in a bakery, sell clothes or be a doctor. As long as it is with this attitude of connecting with and benefiting others, whatever we do we can’t go wrong. When we have this ‘what can I do for you?’ or ‘service’ attitude instead of the ‘what about me?’ or ‘sales’ mentality, true happiness is guaranteed. We can’t be worried about ourselves and concerned about helping others at the same time. It is more helpful to choose to focus on others. This is an instant fix for worry and stress. When we get involved with helping someone else the worry and stress about ourselves magically disappears and we feel great. 

Kindness Bottom Line 

• It is when we are mindfully kind and focus on your strengths and how we can use these to benefit others that we find true happiness and meaning in our lives.
• Kind acts, no matter how small promote a positive, happy self- perception. Anonymous kind acts are especially powerful and fun 
• Kindness to all includes kindness to YOU. It is equally important to be kind to yourself as well as others. Unkind thought habits about yourself undermine your confidence and peace of mind 
• Make a commitment to treat yourself as you would want others to treat you - with kindness, respect, love, understanding and compassion 
• The secret of your own true happiness lies in benefiting and bringing happiness to others. Get involved with helping someone else and watch your worry and stress about yourself magically disappear. You will feel great
• When you go to bed recall all the ways you were a kind, positive force in the world during your day and recall the kindness of others too. I find this a great way to peacefully go off to sleep.  You may too.  

 
Thank You for kindly allowing me to share with You.   

Maree xx