KINDNESS stock index SOARING to new heights
In today's world, acts of kindness seem to be more scarce than ever. Such acts are often caught on video and praised with millions of likes. When the said act is observed, it's as if a Woolly Mammoth or Big Foot was just spotted. Yes, kindness is beautiful and praise worthy. Yes, it should be shared and spread across our networks. However, is it really that rare? Is kindness headed the same way as the Woolly Mammoth? If so, then what can we do? I want to explore a few ideas that can impact our society, our realities and ultimately ourselves.
Photo by National Geographic Kids
First, let's think about the way that we react when we see a social media post, or a news story about an act of kindness. What is our thought process? Are we thinking: "Wow, you never see that anymore." or "Oh my God, what lead them to do such an amazing thing?" or, "Why would they do this?" . Now granted, some acts are really astounding and deserve great praises. However, there is still an illusion that even small acts of kindness are disappearing and that is what I would like to address. It all starts with our perception of the world and of the fog where kindness plays. What if I told you that kindness is all around you? Perhaps it is even growing. Opening to this possibility will start to lift the fog, and make our world a little warmer. That is only part of the solution however, we also need to open our eyes. Let's explore the next step then.
Photo by Julie Palmer from Catchflyphotos.com
Increasing awareness is the second logical step. Even with the fog lifted, we need to be able to notice the warmhearted acts around. That means , you guessed it, lifting our heads up from our phones. As a society, we are distracted more than ever before in our history. According to Psychology Today, students were only able to focus and stay on task for three minutes while studying. Three minutes, while trying to stay on task. Imagine the awareness and attention we have while not trying to study. Our attention while walking, for example, is almost a health hazard according to the National Safety Council study on injury facts 2015. We don't notice a lot of things anymore, unless they are glamorous, grandiose or shinny. How are we supposed to notice small acts of kindness then? Think about it. We need to look around more with intention. Beware, we may not always find what we are looking for. We may find someone in need. We may encounter a situation that needs our help. When this happens, we need to take action and bring into the world that of which we seek.
Photo by Joshua Clay on Unsplash
Kindness is a flower that blossoms first in one's heart. In your heart and mine. The acts that stem from this flower are natural and often times we think nothing of them. While a natural frequency of kindness fluctuates from person to person, everyone can do more to boost their kindness natural occurrence rate. Even though there are lots of things we can do to become a kinder person, it all starts with our intention and desire. The desire of releasing into the world the love that is in our hearts. According to ancient Upanishad teachings;
“You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
[ Brihadaranyaka IV.4.5 ]"
To act on this desire and manifest destiny will take courage. Courage to be vulnerable. Think about it for a moment.
Photo by Jenn Evelyn-Ann on Unsplash
Luckily, kindness is often expressed anonymously. Kindness is more often aimed at those that have less, or at complete strangers. This supports the fact that most of us are doing relatively well, but it keeps us from seeing most of these acts. Not to say we are undeserving, we might just need to start it. It is in our hands to boost the kindness around us, and when we start the chain reaction, we are more likely to see its effects play out. The small chains will create room and increase possibility for the greater acts we enjoy witnessing. So here is a little push :-).
Try some of the ideas from RAK WEEK 2017. The simplest ones are:
1. Put a positive note somewhere around town.
2. Leave a kind note of appreciation for the mail carrier.
3. Be kind to yourself. Spend 10 minutes doing something you love.
Also check out these associations:
The World Kindness Movement - A Japanese organization with a goal to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world.
Random Acts of Kindness - An organization that is focused on grassroots development and the spreading of kindness.
Feel free to comment below with your ideas and opinions.