The Power of Kindness

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu

There are many wonderful qualities about kindness – perhaps the most important quality to remember is that it is free. Free to give and free to receive. When you are kind to someone, you aren’t detracting anything from yourself. In fact, by giving kindness to someone else, you are giving to yourself, too.

What kind deeds have you done recently? Could be big, or it could be small. Maybe you gave an unsolicited compliment. Or picked up the lunch tab for a coworker. Or went out of your way to help a family member run an errand. Or gave a bouquet of flowers to someone... or even yourself.

Think back to the times when someone was kind to you. What did they do for you? More importantly, how did it make you feel? Were you inspired to be kind in turn? Most likely, the answer is yes. If you can perform an act of kindness today and expect nothing in return, imagine the goodness you’ll be putting into motion around you.

Try incorporating the power of kindness into your daily intentions. How can you give kindness to others and be open to receiving it yourself? Can you be more mindful of the kindness that you put into the world? This afternoon, set an intention to be kind to a complete stranger. To be kind to an enemy. To be kind to yourself.