November 2019 Stall Talk

Kindness Counts

Kindness

a behavioral response of compassion and actions that are selfless; or a mindset that places compassion for others before one’s own interests.

A study of Japanese undergraduates, found that happy people were kinder than people who were not happy. Their study also revealed that one’s sense of happiness increased by the simple act of counting the number of one’s acts of kindness. Counting one’s acts of kindness also led happy people to become more kind and grateful.

E aloha kekahi kekah
(Love to one another) - ‘Olelo No’eau

How do random acts of kindness increase a person’s sense of happiness?

• Kindness can promote gratitude, increasing your awareness around your own good fortune.
• Kindness promotes empathy and compassion; which in turn, leads to a sense of interconnectedness.
• Kindness is potent in strengthening a sense of community and belonging.
• Kindness enhances both physical and mental health. It has been seen to increase positivity and can lessen pain.

A few ideas for showing kindness on a daily basis. Hint: It doesn't have to be big, it just has to be done with love!

• Let someone in front of you in the cafeteria line.
• Give someone a compliment.
• Bring in extra fruit or veggies so others can enjoy the bounty of our island.
• Review your old clothing and make a donation to charity.
• Help a neighbor: wash a car, walk a dog, water the plants, run an errand.
• Surprise a loved one with dinner when they are off work.
• Sneak a note into a friend's textbook, so they find it next time they study.

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