As much as a vaccine, the world today needs kindness. Perhaps more so. Millions have reduced access to employment, income, resources and their erstwhile support structure of extended family and friends. At different levels people are still coming to terms with this new world, which physically looks the same. But the psychological landscape is vastly different.
Do we need to be rich to be kind? No. Kindness is not just about writing a cheque or material giving. Kindness is doing what you can, where you are and with what you have. Anyone and everyone can be kind. A word of genuine appreciation to the people in your life, a glass of water to the delivery person, an occasional treat to your security guard, planting a sapling, volunteering. This has been my experience since starting India Positive Citizen.
When we reflect back on a day these days it’s not material acquisitions that bring joy. It is human connections that make a day meaningful. Maybe someone was kind to you and uplifted your spirits. Your own acts of kindness make you feel good about yourself.
When we practice kindness either to other people or towards ourselves we can experience positive mental and physical changes through lowering stress levels and increasing the body’s production of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. Being kind helps boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety. The smiles and good karma are an added bonus.
At our office we recently started to keep candies in a bowl for the delivery people who come to deliver or collect packages. It’s a treat to see their smiles.
Given the benefits kindness brings to the individual and the society it is a matter of surprise that it is not taught in schools. It is now imperative to have a conversation about it – in the family, neighbourhood, work place.
To survive, navigate and thrive in this new world we need kindness – for self and others. Armed with this super power we can create a new world – one that is joyous, equitable and sustainable.
Do you have story of kindness to share? Please write to us to know more.
#indiapositivecitizen #kindnessmatters #socialkindnessplatform #aidbees
About the author : Savitha Rao, author, philanthropist , positive Indian. Her book India Positive Citizen has inspired a lot of people across the country and we are thrilled to have her as a guest on our blog.
