Few would agree that the pandemic has brought out the best in humanity. In these complex times layered with so many negative emotions, something simple can make a big difference – kindness.
Kindness can be overlooked in the task-focused stress of everyday life. The dictionary defines kindness as the act of being sympathetic, gracious, agreeable, or forbearing. All of these fundamental characteristics can have a huge impact on self-care, personal relationships, organizations, and society. Being gracious can make us individually and collectively healthier and more empathetic.
The other good news: a minimal investment of being kind can reap bountiful rewards. The ripple effects of kindness become beautiful catalysts for other positive emotions such as generosity and gratefulness.
Here are some simple ways to remind yourself to be kind:
First, practice acts of kindness to yourself. Approach what you are feeling with open curiosity and without judgment. Kindness towards yourself can unwind other negative emotions you may be feeling. For example, if you are feeling increasingly irritable during a Zoom meeting, kindly ask yourself what you are really feeling. Perhaps the answer can be a quick physical fix to reduce discomfort – a change in scenery, a few deep breaths, or perhaps fresh flowers in your workplace. Or perhaps you need to give yourself the emotional space to recharge before completing a task. At the end of the day, rather than focusing on what you failed to achieve, take time to recognize and kindly celebrate the small wins you have accomplished in the day. Ask yourself how a gracious friend would respond to your achievements, and then do the same for yourself.
Second, be kind to others. Recognize that most of your colleagues are also dealing with unusual amounts of stress. Practice acts of kindness towards them – take time to step outside yourself and check into their world with compassion and humility. Refrain from advice-giving. Learn what forebearance means and practice it! When possible, choose to overlook shortcomings with grace. Kindness in the workplace can increase motivation and decrease conflict.
Third, be kind to strangers. Smile even behind the mask! Be extra thankful to postal workers, delivery personnel, and grocery store clerks. Write an email thanking a news reporter or politician who represents a quality you respect or admire. Send out a hand-written note to someone beyond your usual sphere of connections. Tap into your creativity to discover novel ways of expressing kindness to society at large.
Kindness to oneself and others is a wonderful, powerful –and needlessly rare — gift to give ourselves and our world.
