The power of kindness has become very important during this time of unknown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we search for ways to come together and to find strength, kindness has been a guiding force. We are all experiencing our world in a new way and it can be helpful to tune in to all the kindness that is occurring around us. Because kindness embodies the concepts of being friendly, generous, and considerate, generating more kindness in our day-to-day has great benefits such as creating a sense of mindfulness around something positive while also increasing feelings of wellbeing. 

Kindness has been seen on a global level with communities coming together to research the COVID-19 virus and to find solutions to the challenges countries around the world are facing as a result. It has also been seen on the inter-personal level, with people helping families, neighbors and strangers. Examples have included:

1)    Companies pivoting from typical production to making Personal Protective Equipment for the frontline workers, and

2)    Young-adults grocery shopping for vulnerable populations

Kindness is one thing that has the power to lift our spirits and bring us all together; it has the ability to allow us to stay positive and help us find the moments of joy throughout the day. While many are searching for ways to feel productive, helpful and happy during these times, being kind to oneself and others can help kick start those emotions. Here are three ways to help increase kindness and fuel those positive feelings:

1)    Find one thing that you can do to help your community: shopping for elderly neighbors or those who are unable to go on their own, or donating to local food pantries

2)    Set aside time to be kind to yourself by starting a daily meditation movement practice:  Setting aside time to be kind to yourself with a daily workout and/or meditation can help create habits that will carry into post-pandemic times. Both meditation and movement allow you to take time for yourself, ultimately providing self-care time. A favorite free app for meditation is Smiling Mind, which has many short meditations that are easily accessible.

3)    Reach out to family and friends: Use this an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends via text, call and video. Seeing a friendly face can increase feelings of connection and can even rekindle some relationships. 

As we all experience this new “normal”, leaning into the power of kindness can help focus on the positive moments and the things we can control rather than the negative moments and the things we cannot control. Remembering how we were able to come together, realizing the importance of genuine thoughts of wellbeing and kindness for our communities, and finding ways to be kind to yourself and others over the next few weeks can be part of the change to help brighten your mood and those around you.

To learn more about how to incorporate kindness into your daily schedule, or to work with Lily directly, give us a call today at (646) 494-4878.