Monday, October 5, 2009

Kindly Happy

Kindness is the act or the state of being kind and marked by charitable behaviour, marked by pleasantness, tenderness and concern for others. A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier.

A close association has been reported between kindness and happiness. Kind people experience more happiness and have happier memories. A simple intervention of counting acts of kindness daily for a week (‘counting kindness’ intervention) has been shown to increase happiness. By acting kindly and being aware of the acts of kindness, people appear to become happier and more grateful. Variety in the acts of kindness can positively moderate the effect of such strategies.

There is a beautiful, phrase "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty", which may have been coined by peace activist Anne Herbert.

The ‘acts of kindness’ website provides resources and ideas for spreading kindness.

Reference:

Otake K, Shimai S, Tanaka-Matsumi J, Otsui K, Fredrickson BL. Happy people become happier through kindness: a counting kindnesses intervention. J Happiness Stud. 2006 ;7:361-375. [Full text]

3 comments:

Mridula said...

I think there is a movie too with the same theme?

VSB said...

Universe foerce is primarily benevolent and kindly, so I believe. Hence, when the above traits manifest in our nature we move a step closer to Godliness.

VS said...

Mridula: Yes, but I cant recall the name.

VSB: That is something to ponder about.