KINDNESS

Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition, and concern and consideration for others. It is considered a virtue, and is recognized as a value in many cultures and religions.

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Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness. While kindness has a connotation of meaning someone is naive or weak, that is not the case. Being kind often requires courage and strength. Kindness is an interpersonal skill.

You've heard about survival of the fittest and Darwin. Survival of the fittest is usually associated with selfishness, meaning that to survive (a basic instinct) means to look out for yourself. But Darwin, who studied human evolution, actually didn't see mankind as being biologically competitive and self-interested. Darwin believed that we are a profoundly social and caring species.

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Importance of Kindness: -

1 - Everyone is fighting their own inner battle - although life brings us so many joys and victories, it is undeniable that we each face our own individual struggles within our own minds that nobody knows about. Make every effort to find compassion for others - even when you can’t relate. Be kind.

2 - Human connection is paramount - In a world where we are looking down at our phones more than we are looking up at the people around us, we need to revisit this idea of truly connecting with another human being and what that looks like for us. Be kind.

3 - We are losing ourselves - Sometimes we get so caught up in making sure that everyone around us is well and that other people’s perceptions of us are as we wish them to be, that we forgot ourselves in the mix. Practice self- kindness and know that your feelings and your thoughts matter. Be kind.

4 - You make a difference - Our words, our energy and our light have the potential to impact another human being’s life in so many ways. Don’t take that power lightly. Be kind.

5 - It feels good to be kind - Robert Ingersoll’s famous quote that states “We rise by lifting others”. Supporting others gives us a natural high.

6 - Kindness is contagious - When people are in the presence of kindness, they can’t help but feel joyful. Expand your reach and watch all of those around you enliven in the presence of your warmth. Be kind.

7 - Small actions can have far-reaching consequences - There is no doubt that the human race is connected in more ways than we can quantify. When you do good, you cause a ripple effect on our planet that reaches the masses. Be kind.

8 - You can be a voice for someone who doesn’t have one - Acts of altruism speak volumes for those whose voices have been silenced. Speak up for someone who needs it and you will give them to opportunity to learn how to speak on their own behalf. Be kind.

9 - Somebody is watching you - We are so much more influential than we realize. The next generation is observing and picking up our cues and how to treat others. Set a good example by being an ambassador for thoughtfulness and mindfulness. Be kind.

10 - Judgement hurts - We need to elevate the consciousness of the planet by seeking to understand rather than to judge. When we judge another, we are essentially judging ourselves and creating separation between ourselves and those around us. The healing of the world begins with each of us. Be kind.

11 - Kindness is in our nature - Human beings are intuitively geared to be good and do good. Fear is a learned emotion. Reconnect to the part of you that is love and allow that to guide your everyday interactions. Be kind.

 

Tips of being more kind: -

You don't need a reason to be kind to people. Instead, here are 25 suggestions and ideas of ways to be kind.

1. Smile and make someone's day a little sweeter.

2. Look for ways you can promote peace.

3. Just listen.

4. Offer a hug or embrace.

5. Invite someone new into your friend tribe.

6. Send out a kind email or card.

7. Give someone a genuine compliment.

8. Help clean up, without being asked, help someone out in a practical way.

9. Hold open the door for the person behind you.

10. Encourage a friend or family member when they are uncertain or
 unmotivated.

11. Make peace with someone that has hurt you.

12. Strike up a conversation with a stranger.

13. Let someone into your lane while driving.

14. Pay for the person behind you in line.

15. Give your time to a friend or someone who needs it.

16. Say Thank You and Please every day without fail.

17. Meditate on loving kindness: "May you be happy, healthy, peaceful, and free from suffering, and may my actions in some way contribute to the happiness, health, peace, and freedom for all.

18. Say "I love you" a little more often to your family and friends.

19. Pause before you speak, and choose words with positive intention.

20. Help someone get some rest (watch their kids, run an errand, bring them dinner, etc.).

21. Pick up litter you see thrown about even if it’s not yours.

22. Remove complaints and curses for one week.

23. Gift something meaningful to someone: loan a book, bring flowers, drop off cookies, whatever suits your fancy.

24. Make a donation.

25. Give up your seat, or for that matter, move your yoga mat in class, with positive intent.

 

Yoga Poses for Kindness

Try these playful yoga poses to boost your energy and create a lighter, happier you

1. Cat-Cow Poses

Use cat and cow pose to calm the constant fluctuations of the mind and relax your nervous system, and create gentle movement through the body, inviting the flow of positive energy through your body.

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2. Warrior II Pose

Use this pose to release stress and tension, and remind yourself that you can stand strong, that you are invincible and amazing in everything that you do!

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3. Dancer

This beautiful pose just oozes with grace and elegance, and feelings of lightness and happiness, while at the same time literally releasing tension in the hips and opening up the heart.

 

4. Goddess Pose

Let this energizing and empowering pose remind you that you're completely in charge of your own happiness.

 

5. Crow Pose

This kickass pose can’t fail to bring a smile to your face when you master it. Build focus, strength and concentration while calming your mind.

 

6. Wheel Pose

Backbends are proven to release endorphins. The deep opening through the front of the body helps to relive stress and energize the body.

 

7. Pigeon Pose

Create space for all of the positivity and happiness that you welcome as you say goodbye to any tension that you may be holding in your hips.

 

Essential Oil Therapy

The essential oils that are particularly indicated for KINDNESS are Rose, Bergamot, Cardamom, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, and Patchouli

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Meditation

Chakras, breathing, sensory, loving & kindness and deep meditation