Easy Ways to Encourage Kindness
Become A Kindness Ambassador and Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!
Until recently, I considered myself to be a “kind” person who often shared kindness towards others. A meeting with my supervisor was the catalyst that opened the door to my perspective on how I was sharing kindness. What was seemingly a routine work-based conversation, showed up powerfully real to me as a way to live in total kindness.
Fueled by the impact of this “life moment,” I decided to become a student of kindness examining what it meant to live internally and externally kind versus being kind.
My self-observation revealed an undeveloped area; my own self-kindness to me. I was out of balance and painfully discovered that unless I took time to get in touch with my own kindness and care, living with abundant kindness would always be out of reach.
I knew so much more was possible, not only for my own life, but also what I could give, and how I was sharing kindness with others and the world. As I move along the path of life, I’m now a loving “kindness” work in progress.
Learning, doing, and sharing kindness is an ongoing journey for each of us!
As I worked on crafting kindness within, my outer presence changed as well. Today, my fitness and yoga class sizes have doubled. Comments are “kindly” shared by my students. Some disclosed that sharing their time in my class has given them healing from major life events, and others have said that our class time put a smile on their face for the rest of the day!
Whether you are just starting a kindness growth journey or are already a kindness ambassador, the tips below are for you to use and share.
Here are 10 Tips to Encourage Sharing Kindness:
Kindness to Self:
Self- kindness first, is the gateway to sharing kindness. This takes shape by noticing your own self-talk and learning to positively make changes within.
Grow your kindness levels by taking time to rest, socialize and move, etc. When we become kindly comfortable with ourselves, then we can really tap into treating others and our place in the world with “real and abundant kindness!
Listen:
Take time to simply listen during a conversation with a friend, co-worker or someone you’ve just met, from beginning to end. Do this without finishing their sentences, thinking about your response or how you can top their story. Listening shows such kindness.
Smile:
This one act of kindness can literally brighten someone’s day and needs no words. A smile says it all.
Volunteer:
When you give your time, you are sharing kindness. It could be a one-time occurrence such as a community event, or ongoing such as volunteering at a community food bank, your child’s school, or local animal shelter.
Give it Away:
Most of us have more than we need and why not give some away to help others who would love your goods!
Social Media Kindness:
Social media has the power to hurt and help. When using social media put thought into your content as a way of being and showing up kind. This can truly make a difference in someone’s life.
Compliments:
It’s easy to get into the busyness zone and not notice what others are doing. Giving someone else a compliment takes little effort and creates a positive impact for each of us, both giver and receiver.
Recycle:
Take care of the earth by recycling cans, bottles, paper, plastics. This shares kindness for our world on a grand scale.
Acknowledge:
Make someone’s day and take a moment to thank service workers who make our lives easier – grocery clerks, your barista, restaurant servers, hotel clerks, airline attendants, your student’s teachers. Anyone who serves you!
Practice Peace:
In our current world, this one is so impactful. How to do this? Taking time daily to cultivate feelings of peace and ease, so your peaceful presence shares peace with others.
Truth be told, at the end of the day, all that really matters is how we’ve treated ourselves and others. Kindness matters.
The world is waiting for you to be the change you wish to see. Start sharing kindness today!
Which of the above tip(s) resonate with you? Please share them with us in the comments section below!
– Nancy