K is for Kindness

When was the last time you practiced random acts of kindness at your workplace? This could be a fun way for you to spread your spirit and show kindness. You can spread your kindness a variety of ways – a kind act of service, a kind word of encouragement or a kind thought that you send their way. We all know that the little things we do go a long way!

Lovingkindess

An inspiring story I heard about lovingkindness comes from the book Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out by Marcy Shimoff and Carol Kline. Not only does this story show us a simple way we can show kindness, but also illustrates the powerful impact it has on us as well. When I first heard of this story about a year ago, I thought it was a good idea. Then I heard it again a few months later and tried it a couple of times. The third time I heard it is when it “stuck” and I’ve been working ever since to make this a habit. (I also briefly mentioned this concept is in my H is for Happiness entry.)
CJ Scarlet Click here to find out more about CJ) suffered from a chronic, life-threatening illness that she cured herself within a year from by choosing to focus on the happiness of others – from family members to strangers – through wishing people lovingkindness. She shared in the book that it transformed her life when she shifted to focusing 100% on what would bring happiness to others. Here is how it transformed her, “And when I wished them happiness, I felt a wave of love for them, which sometimes led to action and at other times was just a prayer, a heartfelt desire for their happiness. I started to see everyone as beautiful.”
I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been having so much fun sending lovingkindness to all those I encounter. I figure most of us get enough negative energy coming our way, so why not spread something positive instead! I’m so grateful that this kindness habit has transformed the way I see people and has help eliminate the judgments I might have previously felt toward others.
CJ’s final thoughts from the book are a great transition; closing this entry on kindness and previewing the next entry on love. “The most powerful force for good is the loving compassion that resides in our hearts. It was the flow of love that healed my body and today has become a bubbling, clear spring of happiness in my life.”

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Janae Bower is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author and training consultant. She founded Finding IT, a company that specializes in personal and professional development getting to the heart of what matters most. She started Project GratOtude, a challenge to inspire people to be more grateful.