Butterfly - opportunity for kindness -  _062 4NC 08-25-09

Kindness is something the blind can see and the deaf can hear. – Mark Twain

What a great message.  To me, kindness is everything.  If you are not kind, what are you?  Difficult to be around.  I want people to be comfortable around me, actually want to associate with me.  I try to be the best person I can because I want to know more great people myself.  I truly believe that kindness is one of the most important aspects of our humanity and without it, we would be nothing.

Scientific advancement, technological progress, even artistic development
is nothing without kindness.

Kindness – is the act or the state of being kind, being marked by good and charitable behavior, pleasant disposition, and concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and recognized as a value in many cultures and religions. – Wikipedia

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Smiles are contagious.

Holding the door for someone is appreciated.

Allowing someone to cut in line is incredibly generous.

So when did it become natural to speed behind someone backing out of a parking spot?  Flipping off someone driving a few miles too slow? Ignoring someone crying on a park bench? Or yelling at some nameless faceless telemarketing person on the other end of the phone line simply doing their job?

122806588_amazoncom-kindness-cute-kitten-cat-animal-motivational-Elephants care for their old.  Apes groom their friends.  Dogs lick the wounds of other dogs. Cats have been known to share their food. Yet humans are getting to be angrier, colder and self-absorbed. We don’t share. We don’t do for others. We don’t associate with the lonely (or unimportant). We look out for ourselves.

Kindness of the heart is very rare… the stone has a power when it’s there. – Secret of Nimh

Research has shown that acts of kindness does not only benefit receivers of the kind act, but also the giver, as a result of the release of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of contentment and relaxation when such acts are committed.  – Wikipedia

I feel good knowing that I am kind to others. It warms my heart to know that a few moments of my time introducing myself to a stranger at church is going to help them feel more welcome. And when someone needs to talk, really needs to express something, I listen. I have friends who know that they can vent to me about anything and I am there for them.  A sweet hello receives a smile and acknowledgment back. A compassionate act can change a life.

Encourage someone. Thank someone. Help someone.

funny-dog-pictures-kindness-animalIt doesn’t need to be monetarily. You don’t need to give away your possessions.  You don’t need to be rich to be generous. Compliment someone – that’s generosity.  Cleaning up your messes is selfless.  Thanking a server is considerate.  Hugging someone who needs it is being sympathetic.

In this world of rushing and waiting, everyone out for themselves, time escaping us and money dwindling, everyone could benefit from a little kindness.  Whether you are the giver or receiver, either way, it will benefit you to know it benefits others.