World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on 13th November. On this day, all those involved strive to make the world a better place by promoting good deeds, celebrating positivity and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organizations.
Kindness is entirely inclusive in nature and there are no overt relationships with religion or politics which helps to strengthen its human connection.
The aims of the day are quite simple;
To create a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations towards greater kindness and taking part is straight forward too. Simply complete a good deed, a kind act or pledge to complete one in the future … and do it of course.
Is it easy to be kind? Is kindness the opposite of selfishness?
Does altruism exist?
The temptation to be lured into the world of psychological theories relating to egoism is tempting however I will move swiftly on to reference real-life examples of individuals who have at least altruistic traits namely Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King. Let’s begin by considering did either of these two act without feeling a “warm glow” after they had helped, supported, cared for or guided someone in their life. Irrespective of whether they did or didn’t we know that both wanted to be part of a world where they can make a positive difference to the life of others, the only difference is that their actions are well documented and well known to us all. I argue that largely we all want to be part of a world where we can make a positive difference to the lives of others and of course ourselves.
Certainly, the pandemic we are all acutely aware of has given rise to the number of small acts to “Love the neighbour”. Help at this time is willingly given because of the overwhelming sense that we are all part of this new and unwanted community.
There are those who are more concerned about whether their family members could contract the virus or if they are unknowingly spreading the virus themselves than they are with contracting it and then there is the debate about mask-wearing to grapple with. Kindness on a much smaller scale can be simply helping at a charity shop, volunteering at a soup kitchen, shopping for an ill or elderly neighbour.
With world kindness day as a focus to home in on I conclude with small acts of kindness which anyone can do which will have a direct and immediate impact on the recipient.
I will throw in a caveat here by saying don’t just restrict yourself to one day to be kind, make it part of your everyday behavior and do so in the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to the life of someone else. Hopefully, lots of these you do anyway.
Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it.
Hold the door for someone.
Let a parent with young children in front of you in the supermarket line.
Allow someone to pass in front of your when trying to leave a junction.
Say thank you to someone who made your life a bit better today. A group fitness instructor, your child or spouse, the neighbor who dropped a misdirected piece of mail off on your doorstep…
Send a thinking-of-you text.
Make eye contact with anyone who serves you. Cashiers, dry cleaners, baristas, receptionists, medical personnel, house cleaners, car washers, etc. By doing so you are acknowledging the human connection present.
If you see one person taking a photo of someone else, offer to use their camera and take a photo of them together.
“Like” every photo in your Instagram feed. If you have time leave sincere comments.
Bring in your neighbor’s recycling bin.
Finally - share with others how these simple acts of kindness made you feel as either the recipient or the one bestowing kindness.
Home activity
Put 50–100 paper hearts or smiley faces in a box.
On each cutout write something that is special about your spouse/partner, your kid or a good friend.
Give them the box to pull out a heart or smiley face anytime.
Discuss with your kids about what does kindness mean to them
and about different ways of being kind.
Comment below and feel free to suggest other topics to talk about.
The long-term benefits of dialogue are improved relations and cooperation in the community, often enabling further development through social and political action.
This greater understanding of our own thoughts coupled with the discovery of different or similar points of view enhance collaboration opportunities with all involved.
Dialogue brings slow and lasting results, change from within the community itself and works towards finding purposeful solutions.
Your collaboration and discussion prompts are found here.
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas so reach out to me and share.
HAYLAY McDONNEL
PD/SMSC Educational Consultant