The first World Kindness Day was in 1998, organised by the not-for-profit World Kindness Movement, with the mission to connect nations and inspire individuals to create a kinder world.
Contributed by Barb Clendon, Kaitoko Ako / Learning Advisor
When there are so many conflicts and challenges in the world, we may clearly see the need for kindness. Even though we might think there’s not much around, we can see examples of kindness every day.
Showing kindness doesn’t have to be random and doesn’t have to be big. According to Aesop, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Everybody benefits in an environment where kindness is widespread.
Perhaps our homes are the best places to show kindness. There will be countless examples that you can think of such as:
- taking time to listen to someone
- smiling
- doing chores with a helpful attitude
- playing a game with someone who’s bored
- sending texts of appreciation
- noticing a job that needs doing and doing it.
We spend so much time at work. Being kind to people there will improve the whole experience. Being tolerant of people’s differences, not gossiping, including everyone, being aware of others’ tough times can make a big difference.
Even in desperate times there are many who kindly help others out. Remember the student army who cleared liquefaction after Canterbury earthquakes. Currently there are volunteers working in Hawkes Bay to help people recover from Cyclone Gabrielle. There are countless people helping with food parcels for needy families and putting their efforts into kind deeds. It is so inspiring to see such kindness and the huge positive effect it has on others.
Being kind not only increases the wellbeing of people around us, it makes us so much happier as well.
Consider what the Dalai Lama says: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
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