What is kindness?
Kindness is something we intuitively understand yet sometimes struggle to put into words.
The dictionary definition of kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Other synonyms of kindness are warmth, tender hearted, selflessness & goodwill. Yet none of these terms truly grasp the significance and complexity of the word.
What we can understand is that kindness feels good, whether we are receiving it, giving it, or even just witnessing it.
Studies have shown that Kindness results in many health benefits; including improved heart health, stress reduction, greater levels of immunity, slower aging, stronger personal relationships, and perhaps most important of all – simply feeling happier.
Truth is, there is more to kindness then being nice..
What do I need to do to show kindness rather then just being nice?
Many people jump to the conclusion that acts of kindness must be grand gestures, especially considering all the health and emotional benefits.
In the case of kindness, no. Even the simplest acts of kindness can create the same emotional & physical response as the grandest gesture.
Then how can I practice showing Kindness?
What makes someone truly kind, is because they choose and keep choosing to show kindness. Even if it means sometimes having to sacrifice something for themselves.
Kindness can be as simple as showing a helping hand, a genuine smile, a thoughtful compliment.
Kindness can include giving of gifts or money, but also requires giving of yourself. Its thinking of others above yourself and being thoughtful in what you could do to brighten their day and make life a little easier on them at the present time.
Any act of gift-giving is an act of kindness, but when you give a gift with time & thought intentionally – that’s where kindness truly shines. Taking the time to think about a person and what they would most want not only makes that person happy, but makes you feel good too.
When your looking to be kind, whatever act that may be… think about how that compliment, lending hand, thoughtful gift etc. will make them feel loved, cared for, appreciated and safe in the knowledge that someone was thinking especially of them and wanting to brighten their day personably.
Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:2 says “Put on then… compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience”
You deserve Kindness Too
Being Kind shouldn’t be reserved only for others. You need to show yourself kindness also, because you, like everyone else, deserves kindness too.
See our iCareBox blog about showing kindness to YOU