You may need a Kindness Kickstart

Kindness is a way of genuinely caring that embodies a feeling of warmth and generosity towardsothers and the world at large.

Are you having a bad day or is life bringing you down lately? It seems you might be craving some inspiration or a “kindness kickstart.” You might also be of the mind, as many people are, that kindness is something that is weak, quaint, fake, or fragile. In fact, kindness is anything but.

In it’s purest form, kindness is authentic, honest and brave. But it can be hard to feel kindness toward oneself or others, especially if the world seems unwelcoming, dangerous or full of hard knocks. After all, we live in a culture that values individualism, competition, and material success over connection, collaboration and generosity.

When it comes down to it, though, people rate kindness as one of the most important qualities in a partner, boss, friends and in raising kids. It makes sense. We are wired for kindness. The good news is that people can learn how to feel more kindly toward themselves and others. You can grow a kinder mind through the power of positive neuroplasticity. This simply means that the more you focus on noticing and creating beneficial experiences — those that foster wellbeing inside and out — the more your brain strengthens neural pathways for happiness.

So how can you do that? Start with small daily actions — smiling, listening with an open heart, finding calm, refraining from judging others, opening a door, saying thank you, and engaging in kind and generous acts without expecting anything in return. It’s important to nourish yourself with kindness, too. As the saying goes, put on your oxygen mask first before helping another. Many people find that it is easier to be kind toward others rather than oneself. So, catch a break from your critical mind (we all have one) and treat yourself as you would a friend in need.

Practice makes progress! As you begin, people will sense this and like hanging or working with you. Of course, it helps to surround yourself with people who are caring too. And the more resilient and joyful you become, the more likely you are to spread love and kindness.

Please note – This quiz is not scientifically validated but it’s for your enjoyment. I hope you gained a bit of kind insight!

You have a Kind Orientation to Life

Kindness is a way of genuinely caring that embodies a feeling of warmth and generosity towards others and the world at large.

You have a hankering for kindness don’t you? But sometimes you aren’t as kind as you could be, right? At least with certain people or situations. That’s normal.

Albert Einstein once wrote the most important decision we ever make is whether we decide if the world is a friendly place or hostile place. In many ways Einstein was a prophet for kindness. It is true that how we think about the world will shape our expectations and  interactions with our family, friends, coworkers and strangers — or people who are perceived as “different.”  It seems when it comes to being kind, context matters and people have fierce loyalties. At the same time it’s important to stretch yourself a bit and boost your kindness quotient. Why? Because these days people are afraid to be kind. And the world could use a bit more kindness and compassion, don’t you think? So it’s up to you to become a warrior for kindness. Yes, you’ve just been knighted. Congratulations.

In it’s purest form kindness is authentic, honest and brave. And in fact we’re wired for it. We survived from generation to generation because of our instinct to care for each other. We have the blueprint for kindness and compassion. That means people can learn how to feel more kindly toward themselves and other people. You can grow a kinder mind through the power of positive neuroplasticity. This simply means that the more you focus on noticing and creating beneficial experiences — those that foster wellbeing inside and out — the more your brain strengthens neural pathways for happiness.

So how can you do that? Become more active in doing what you’re already naturally inclined to do — smiling, listening with an open heart, finding calm, refraining from judging others, opening a door, saying thank you, and engaging in kind and generous acts without expecting anything in return. It’s important to nourish yourself with kindness, too. As the saying goes, put on your oxygen mask first before helping another. Many people find that it is easier to be kind toward others rather than oneself. So, catch a break from your critical mind (we all have one) and treat yourself as you would a friend in need.

Practice makes progress! As you begin, people will sense this and like hanging or working with you. Of course, it helps to surround yourself with people who are caring too. And the more resilient and joyful you become the more likely you are to spread love and kindness.

Please note – This quiz is not scientifically validated but it’s for your enjoyment. I hope you gained a bit of kind insight!

You are a Kindness Warrior

Kindness is a way of genuinely caring that embodies a feeling of warmth and generosity towards others and the world at large.

Well done. You are a bonafide kindness warrior. Such acumen brings with it some responsibility to carry love, kindness, and compassion into the world. Of course you’re probably doing this already. But these days we need all the kindness warriors we can rally to bravely bring mindfulness into how we live, love and lead.

In it’s purest form kindness is authentic, honest and brave. The invitation to be a kindness warrior begins with simply thinking about what kindness means to you, your own thoughts, feelings, images, and aspirations. Remember that it can sometimes be hard for others to feel kindness, especially if the world seems unwelcoming, dangerous, or full of hard knocks. After all, we live in a culture that seems to value individualism, competition, and material success over connection, collaboration and generosity. You can’t change the world, but you can be a beacon for a better one in your own way.

Did you know that humans are wired for kindness? Scientists and spiritual leaders alike agree that kindness and compassion, as distinct human qualities, are embedded into our cellular blueprints. We survived from generation to generation because of our instinct to care for each other. The hopeful news is that people can learn how to feel more kindly toward themselves and others. It’s your job to spread the good news!

Guide others in growing a kinder mind and more open heart through the power of positive neuroplasticity. This simply means that the more people focus on noticing and creating beneficial experiences — those that foster wellbeing inside and out — the more their neural pathways for happiness get strengthened. What does this entail? The smallest gestures — smiling, listening with an open heart, finding calm, refraining from judging others, opening a door, saying thank you, and engaging in kind and generous acts without expecting anything in return. It’s important to nourish yourself with kindness, too.

We can build upon it and help others, too. By noticing our natural instinct toward kindness and compassion, we can begin to kindle it or rekindle it. Just like we build a campfire with the smallest of sticks and blow gently on the flames so we can warm our hands. The first step is recognizing kindness when we see it.

Of course, it helps to surround yourself with people who are caring too. Strength in numbers. As a kindness magnet, you probably have noticed that people sense this and like hanging or working with you. And the more resilient and joyful you are the more likely you are to spread love and kindness.

Please note – This quiz is not scientifically validated but it’s for your enjoyment. I hope you gained a bit of kind insight!