Kindness is a simple answer in a sometimes difficult and challenging world. I know that to be true. Life happens! Sometimes things happen that can be empowering, heartfelt, loving, and humbling, or traumatic, devasting, embarrassing, and/or excruciatingly painful.  As a skilled helper in the transformational process of change, I try to help others feel better in numerous ways.  One such way involves acknowledging and appreciating all people and to encourage others to do the same.

It’s fair to say that most of us have been taught that kindness is a virtue. In the karmic sense, kindness certainly has been thought of as a means to attract positive energy.  There is scientific evidence to suggest that the act of being kind towards others can make you happier and healthier.

What is Kindness?

Kindness is the warmhearted approach to showing love or affection to another without expectation for something in return.  One small, selfless, thoughtful gesture can make someone else's day.  Kindness has so many elements and such complexity.  Sympathy and empathy are different types of kindness.  Kindness can be infused with an empathic sense to alleviate a person’s emotional pain. 

So how does kindness make you happier and healthier?  Although this list is not exhaustive, here are just few:
  

Kindness May Help Lessen Feelings of Sadness

In ways we may not fully understand, kindness towards others and ourselves reduces feelings of depression. In our struggles, it is easy to lose sight of our wholeness, and our being. It is easy to forget who we are.  For those who suffer from chronic sadness and anxiety, research suggests that a sizeable change for the positive can occur for those who mindfully go about the business of imparting kind intentions. 

Kindness Helps Reduce Pain and Increase Energy

Some research studies suggests that people who adopt the kindness mindset have been found to have less pain, more energy and increased life expectancy.  Many of these benefits are thought to be grounded in the psychological and spiritual principles as well as the biology of well-being.

Kindness Creates Happiness

Time and again, kindness has been shown to increase happiness. By intentionally engaging in kindness, you help to boost motivation levels, increase feelings of personal accomplishment and lift overall perceptions of life quality  Kindness evokes positivity which can be as contagious as a laugh or a smile.

Kindness Reduces Commitment Issues

In order to be open to a loving relationship with another, elements of trust must be present. Trust is empowered through being kind to ourselves and by being vulnerable. If you have a history of relationship commitment issues, a good starting point may be to try and be kind to yourself first. Learn all you can about the benefits of self-compassion and how its healing powers can paradoxically attract love.

Kindness Creates Greater Intimacy

Intimacy is an issue that many couples struggle with. One way to enhance intimacy is to engage in kindness. By being kind to others in a mindful way, we increase our ability to tune into love. Over time, this can help us with our romantic relationships by enhancing emotional openness and physical closeness.  Even for those who are in long term relationships.

In brief, engaging in kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with having compassion for ourselves and embracing all of who we are. When we do this, we are able to more fully experience true happiness as part of our life journey.  Perhaps we should view kindness as a healthy way of living and being.