"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. – Plato
The art of kindness is an underrated art. Ask anyone around you whether or not they think kindness is important, and more often than not, about ninety percent of them would tell you that it is important.
Why is kindness important?
A question we find an easy answer to. Yet, it only takes a glance at society to see that we still have a long way to go when it comes to mastering kindness. This, generally, stems from the fact that despite professing it on the surface, some of us don’t really understand .
Others who do, don’t really understand the complete facets of kindness.
In this article, we explore 11 crucial reasons why is kindness important, shedding even more light on why to progress as a society, we must place a higher emphasis on kindness and begin to show it more.
Kindness in Two Forms
Before we move on thoroughly into highlighting the importance of kindness, it is first crucial that we understand what the term means in the first place.
To do this, we have to look at the whole idea of kindness from two angles – as something we do unto others and as something we give to ourselves.
Kindness to Others
Showing kindness to others is perhaps the most popular phrase humans throw about without really committing to it. Many don’t even really know what it means in the first place.
To many, showing kindness implies going out of their ways to do something grand and unbelievable for others. Some even believe that they can’t be kind to others until the act of kindness makes them suffer in one way or another.
Generally, though, this isn’t usually the case.
We don’t have to hurt ourselves to be kind to others. Simple acts of kindness such as giving a compliment and offering someone your seat all go a long way in making a difference in someone else’s life.
The more mature you are, the more helpful and kind you are. The reason is that your maturity level is proportional to your kindness.
Others who do, don’t really understand the complete facets of kindness.
In this article, we explore 11 crucial reasons why is kindness important, shedding even more light on why to progress as a society, we must place a higher emphasis on kindness and begin to show it more.
Kindness in Two Forms
Before we move on thoroughly into highlighting the importance of kindness, it is first crucial that we understand what the term means in the first place.
To do this, we have to look at the whole idea of kindness from two angles – as something we do unto others and as something we give to ourselves.
Showing kindness to others is perhaps the most popular phrase humans throw about without really committing to it. Many don’t even really know what it means in the first place.
To many, showing kindness implies going out of their ways to do something grand and unbelievable for others. Some even believe that they can’t be kind to others until the act of kindness makes them suffer in one way or another.
Generally, though, this isn’t usually the case.
We don’t have to hurt ourselves to be kind to others. Simple acts of kindness such as giving a compliment and offering someone your seat all go a long way in making a difference in someone else’s life.
The more mature you are, the more helpful and kind you are. The reason is that your maturity level is proportional to your kindness.
Kindness to Oneself
The most obscure of the two forms of kindness, “kindness to oneself” is usually overlooked by many because they feel as though it should be a given.
While this is right and kindness to oneself should always be a constant feature in our lives, it usually isn’t. In fact, it isn’t rare to find people who have mastered being kind to others who still haven’t realized that they have to be kind to themselves, too.
Not only is being kind to ourselves essential for our personal growth and the growth of our communities, but it is also one of the best ways to be kinder to others.
In short, if we don’t master the art of being kind to ourselves, it becomes a lot more challenging to be kind to other people.
11 Reasons why being kind matters
As we grow up, we learn that being kind is a good thing. We are raised in a society where we are taught to be kind and to help others, but why? If we think about it for just a little while, the answer seems fairly obvious.
This list is not comprehensive but it contains 11 of the most powerful reasons that being kind matters in the world.
As we grow up, we learn that being kind is a good thing. We are raised in a society where we are taught to be kind and to help others, but why? If we think about it for just a little while, the answer seems fairly obvious.
This list is not comprehensive but it contains 11 of the most powerful reasons that being kind matters in the world.
1. Tremendous emotional return for minimal effort
2. Kindness is Contagious
3. Kindness Builds Bridges
4. It Helps Lift Mental Blocks
5. It is Good Karma
6. Kindness Provides Clarity
7. It Can Brighten up Someone Else’s Day
8. Life is to Live and Love Fully
9. It is a form of Catharsis
10. Being Kind Actually Increases Life Span
11. Kindness is the Perfect Example to Set for Younger Generation
Conclusion
The great writer Henry James once described the three most important things in human life. The first, he said, was being kind. The second? Being kind. The third? Being kind, too.
Looking at the eleven points we’ve highlighted above, it is not hard at all to see why he said what he said. Kindness has always been, and will always remain, one of the most important facets of human lives and interaction.
Once we master kindness, we elevate ourselves, those around us, and our society as well. No other human action offers such a comprehensive benefit with absolutely no side effects.
This is why being kind matters.
Sharing is caring!"
Both images and words above are only a snippet from the original article which you can read in full here
Have you been kind today? Have you helped someone today?
Do please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Just a reminder
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All the best Jan
30 comments:
...we I grew up, kindness was expected!
Excellent post!!!
Great post on kindness. It is more important than most realize. Even a smile is a simple kindness.
Lovely post
The world and many people are too tough…it is a terrible time for me right now and I have so much struggles with so many people in this world that they keep looking to rules instead to look at me as person..who is loosing her home….and that I get no help to find a new home because of rules….because I have no job right know…because I loose everything what was my life…the only and the most important is Leaf …she is my life right know and I hope and pray that everything will be all right on time for us…money makes the world crazy people crazy…and we forget what is most important a roof above our head 🍀🙏🍀🙏🍀🙏🍀
Very well put.
Yo creo que es educación y empatia. Te mando un beso.
How good to read what is written.
Kindness can go a long way and it doesn't hurt to be kind.
Great post! Being kind is free, make someone's day and be kind.
Take care, have a great day!
It just makes you Feel better...
hugs
Donna
Thanks for sharing.
Kindness is healthy. I wish more people showed themselves kindness by eating right instead of packing on the pounds.
Muito interessante.
Um abraço e continuação de uma boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
Wow....that was great. Thanks for sharing that with us. Kindness for oneself I have issues with, issues in getting it done for myself. I do it but its usually cause my body tells me to be nicer to ME. I usually have no choice. However, being kind to others, I have no issue doing this. It is sort of like my DNA and I will volunteer myself before I realize I have done it then later I ask myself what the heck I was thinking. Not that I am mad for doing it but I am questioning can I do it.....prob, can I do it, prob but I pay. LOL
marvelous post dear Jan!
thank you for sharing such beautiful and poignant article .
i think life is all about "kindness" because the scenario of life and universe could have not evolved without this most basic ingredient .
i think life on earth might have had better history and better future if we the humans have had this virtue for each other without the condition of race and color .Nature might have behaved more kindly to us then i believe
Grazie mille per avere condiviso con noi questo bellissimo articolo
Loved this post! So true, that kindness should be everyone's everyday goal, as it would make the world a better place.
What a meaningful post.. Thanks for sharing. Have a good day :)
A lovely article and so true, being kind costs nothing and can make someones day.
Hello Jan,
Greetings to you and Eddie from Seattle. I want to give you a “High 5” for this post. It is so good I’m going to print it out and keep it in a little file folder I have titled “Wisdom.” In the last few years, while I have been retired, I’ve tried to focus on being kinder, everywhere, every day. Here is just a small example: There are 3 stores in my neighborhood where I shop for groceries. I make it a point to learn the first name of all the workers. When I go through the store I greet employees by their name and, if time permits, ask how they are doing. Honestly, it amazes me how that simple kindness is returned to me in so many little ways that makes my shopping experience much more enjoyable. My dad used to say, “What goes around, comes around.” The older I get, the more I know that is true. Thank you, Jan, for sharing this excellent post. And, thank you again, for your KIND comments on my blog. 😊 In your last comment for me you mentioned that March is flying by. Absolutely! And, yes, Easter will be here soon. I wish you and Eddie the best. Take good care my friends! John
I can't imagine the wonderful world we would have if we all just showed kindness to one person each day. Maybe we would not be going through these wars and people being hurt every day.
People need more patience and caring for one another.
I agree with this 100%.
My Dad taught me to be kind.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
What an interesting post. Such a good point about being kind to ourselves, we rarely treat ourselves as we treat others.xxx
Another great article, my mantra, be kind!
This is so true. Our little local grocery store always has some of the best kids ever. I don't know if it is cause we are such a small town, or what. But they are some of the best kids around.
I've kept this post open in a tab for a few days and I don't think I ever thanked you for it. I'm writing parts of it in my journal to remember! It's so perfectly written and things that can help me. I try to be kind but I've had a situation recently where someone was NOT kind to me and I'm dealing with that. I'm trying not to blame myself but it's hard to figure out why other people act the way they do. I'm getting over it now but I love reading more about kindness. Hugs, Diane
I just saw what John said in his comment and I think now I will print this out. Thanks again!
Many thanks to you all for sharing your thoughts and comments about this post, which resonated with so many.
Let us all be kind today and everyday :)
All the best Jan
Siempre intento ser amable, me encanta saludar. Soy feliz así. Un abrazo.
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