Why is it important to be kind and what are the benefits of generosity? Here is a simple exercise that will help you get to know yourself better and treat others with understanding.
Contrary to popular belief, kindness and generosity are our natural inclinations, explains positive psychologist Ilios Kotu. A child who has barely learned to walk rushes to a person who needs help. When we give, we experience the same satisfaction as the one to whom we give.
In addition, generosity is contagious and generates positive feedback. When we behave this way towards our children, we allow them to learn from our example to develop and maintain everyday altruism.
Even just by observing such actions, we feel gratitude and feel uplifted – as if something is tearing us off the ground. Generosity connects us to other people, to the world, and to our human essence, and therefore enhances our sense of unity and belonging to all living things.
An exercise
Kindness can be expressed in many ways and manifest itself in very simple things: smile at a neighbor in the yard or at a woman across the street on public transport, help someone carry groceries, give a compliment, pick up trash on the street, hold the door…
In addition, it is also a great antidote to withdrawing into ourselves and dwelling on sad thoughts on days when we do not feel too good.
At such times, however paradoxical it may seem, ask yourself: “What makes me happy and what could I share?”, “How could I give what I myself would like to receive?”, “What are the simple daily actions that they won’t cost me anything, could they decorate the everyday life of others?
personal experience
Ninel, 46 years old, music producer
I have often had the impression that others are more fortunate than I am. I often feel that I am being discriminated against or treated unfairly. This exercise allowed me to think about what is important to me. Being able to give others what I need has changed everything.
I decided to pay attention to the eldest son, with whom it was difficult for me to communicate. And at the same time, she did not expect any return from him, as before. The miracle did not happen, but surprisingly, I felt very good.
The lack of expectations allowed me to be truly attentive, receptive to his problems. For the first time in a long time, I felt like we were one family.