Why Kindness Matters
by Linda-Ann Stewart
Kindness is a natural tendency that grows stronger when cultivated. Even toddlers instinctively help others. Altruism helps cultures to survive and thrive. When we cooperate, have compassion and empathy for each other, despite our differences, we can build and grow individually and as a group. Kindness binds society together.
How Kindness Affects You
Our brains were developed for us to be kind to each other. When you help someone, chemicals rush through your brain creating euphoria, empathy, connection, and well being. Kindness also increases self-esteem, self-worth and optimism. It feels good to be considerate of others, and that encourages you to repeat the behavior. Practicing kindness rewires your brain to create more neural pathways for compassion and empathy.
Choosing to be kind is in your enlightened self-interest, as long as you’re doing it for others and not just for yourself. Helping others lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and anxiety, and decreases risks for cardiovascular disease, among other benefits. If you’re kind out of a sense of routine or obligation, you miss out on the advantages of someone who gives out of caring for others. Kindness must be a sincere interest in others well being.
All major spiritual traditions consider kindness to be integral to their teachings. When you’re able to give of yourself, you’re at peace with yourself and your fellow humans. You open channels to allow more blessings to flow into your life.
How Kindness Affects Others
You have no idea how a small act of kindness can impact someone. A smile, opening the door for someone, or a simple “thank you” can not only make a person’s day, but alter the course of their life. They may not remember you, but they’ll remember that you improved how they felt. Whether small acts or large, doing good for others creates change that goes far beyond what you’ll ever know.
Kindness spreads, like ripples in a pond. When you’re kind, with no expectation of reward, it inspires other people to follow your lead. They also become altruistic, and others pay it forward. Your impact multiplies as it affects even more people. If you want to make the world a better place, start with one good deed a day because that generosity will be contagious. Being kind is a gift to yourself, society and the world.
Affirmation:
Kindness is an innate trait within me, and I now choose to practice it in all ways. I choose to be kind in my interactions with others. As I do good for others, expecting nothing in return, I uplift my spirit and the world around me. I am compassionate towards the people around me, knowing that they have their own trials to bear. Kindness is contagious, and others are inspired by my example. My life and the world at large is a better place due to my kindness and compassion.
As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.