The Dalai Lama famously said, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
Whether you’re religious or not, kindness can go a long way toward improving your overall state of mind and sense of happiness. Here are ways that you can practice kindness in your daily lives:
- Ask your roommate or neighbor how they’re doing.
Maybe they need someone to talk to, maybe they feel alone or maybe they just wanted someone to ask them that simple question. It might mean a lot to them.
2. Smile at a cashier or vendor.
When you work long hours interacting with the public, you often come into contact with less-than-pleasant people. A simple smile can improve a worker’s day immensely.
3. Tip at least 20%.
If you have the money to go out and have dinner, you can spare a bit extra to leave a decent tip. While money isn’t the cure for sadness, an extra couple of bucks might help out with a metro card or a phone bill. You never know when your generosity will be needed.
4. Compliment yourself!
Your love comes from the inside and is shared to others. The only way that you can truly spread love to others is by loving yourself first.
5. Offer a friend an ear to listen.
Yes, just listen! Your friend might not need to hear what you have to say. They might need you to just sit and listen without judgment or criticism.
6. Move to the side.
There’s no need to stand in front of a pathway so that others can’t get through. The only thing this action achieves is frustration by those wanting to get past you. If creating frustration is your goal, stand in the way! However, if you want to be kind to others, move to the side and let others pass by.
7. Let someone go ahead of you.
Holding a door open and allowing someone to step ahead of you is a nice reminder that the world doesn’t have to revolve around you and where you want to go. It is a simple act of consideration.
8. Use your cellphone considerately.
It’s a sad state of affairs when a loved one tries to have a heart-to-heart conversation, only to be met with a distracted, inattentive response. Put your phone away! Have some quality time with your loved ones and surroundings.
9. Let people be!
Judging and criticizing someone unnecessarily can be hurtful for the person who is being judged. Life can be challenging as it is. Why make someone’s life harder by adding negativity that doesn’t have to be there?
10. Say thank you!
Gratitude is not only for the person you’re thanking, but also for the one doing the thanking. Gratitude can remind you how fortunate you have been to have received something that is worth saying thank you to in the first place.
