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Why Kindness Matters
by Linda-Ann Stewart
Kindness is a natural tendency that grows stronger when cultivated. Even toddlers instinctively help others. Altruism helps cultures to survive and thrive. When we cooperate, have compassion and empathy for each other, despite our differences, we can build and grow individually and as a group. Kindness binds society together.
How Kindness Affects You
Our brains were developed for us to be kind to each other. When you help someone, chemicals rush through your brain creating euphoria, empathy, connection, and well being. Kindness also increases self-esteem, self-worth and optimism. It feels good to be considerate of others, and that encourages you to repeat the behavior. Practicing kindness rewires your brain to create more neural pathways for compassion and empathy.
Choosing to be kind is in your enlightened self-interest, as long as you're doing it for others and not just for yourself. Helping others lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and anxiety, and decreases risks for cardiovascular disease, among other benefits. If you're kind out of a sense of routine or obligation, you miss out on the advantages of someone who gives out of caring for others. Kindness must be a sincere interest in others well being.
All major spiritual traditions consider kindness to be integral to their teachings. When you're able to give of yourself, you're at peace with yourself and your fellow humans. You open channels to allow more blessings to flow into your life.
How Kindness Affects Others
You have no idea how a small act of kindness can impact someone. A smile, opening the door for someone, or a simple "thank you" can not only make a person's day, but alter the course of their life. They may not remember you, but they'll remember that you improved how they felt. Whether small acts or large, doing good for others creates change that goes far beyond what you'll ever know.
Kindness spreads, like ripples in a pond. When you're kind, with no expectation of reward, it inspires other people to follow your lead. They also become altruistic, and others pay it forward. Your impact multiplies as it affects even more people. If you want to make the world a better place, start with one good deed a day because that generosity will be contagious. Being kind is a gift to yourself, society and the world.
Copyright © 2009-2026 Linda Ann Stewart
All Rights Reserved
As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, freedom, wellbeing and prosperity. Register for her FREE Design Your Best Day guide and guided meditation at www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.
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