Bring some mindful generosity into your every day and reap the physical and emotional benefits of kindness.
“Ask yourself: Have you been kind today? Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world” – Annie Lennox
Want to distribute some kindness but don’t know where to start? You don’t necessarily need to make a large charitable donation or spend lots of money on a gift to offer kindness to the world around you. Here are Mindful Puzzles favourite ways to spread simple and thoughtful joy:
Say thank you
It might seem obvious but often we forget to say thank you to the people offering us a service. Next time you step off a bus, accept coffee from your barista, or someone holds a door or lift for you, smile and say thanks. Acknowledging another person’s thoughtful act is an easy way to make them feel seen, creating a small kindness loop.
Give blood
Did you know that blood donations can be converted into 22 different medical treatments? It only takes an hour to donate and your small act can help in medical emergencies or those suffering from ongoing medical conditions. Check your eligibility and regional Red Cross locations at www.donateblood.com.au.
Offer a cup of tea
See someone at work struggling with anxiety or stress? Maybe they’re swamped with tasks or overwhelmed by a project. Offer to make them a cup of tea or coffee. Maybe they’ll want to come to the kitchen for a break but if they can’t, at least they’ll know a colleague has their wellbeing in mind.
Write a note
Take a few minutes to write a quick note to someone you appreciate. It can be as simple as a heart and your name on a post-it, a message to a friend, or a note of encouragement. There’s something lovely about receiving an unprompted message from a loved one, saying they’re thinking of you.
Help a stranger
Hold a door open, pay for a stranger’s morning coffee, offer your seat on public transport. If you’re not comfortable offering an act of kindness in person, apps like Acts of Kindness, Pay It Forward, and Kindly all offer a digital way to improve someone’s day. You can even join Be My Eyes, an app that connects the blind and vision impaired to sighted volunteers for visual assistance with everyday tasks like colour-coordinating an outfit or checking food labels.
This article was originally published in Issue 6 – The Art of Kindess. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
