The Science of Kindness: Know Why Kindness is Important!

Kindness is no rocket science but still, we see people around us failing to extend this simple gesture every day. That makes us wonder if kindness is also disappearing slowly like all good things. But at the same time, there are many day-to-day stories and moments we might come across someone being truly kind and compassionate thus rekindling our belief in kindness. It’s those moments when people extend acts of kindness completely unasked for and touch your hearts in a way that could never be forgotten. Kindness has that healing touch which could make you smile through your tears and look at the world with a sense of hope. Therefore, Kindness becomes that virtue which is very much needed in this otherwise cruel world. So, let’s go ahead and look closely at the science of kindness and why it is important for the humankind. 

When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.
– Abraham Joshua Herschel

The Healing Touch of Kindness

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Kindness often feels like ice cream on a hot summer’s day. It’s like the warmth of blankets on a cold winter’s night. Sounds a bit cheesy? Right! But that’s exactly how kindness feels like and the science of kindness explains it too. Suffering is a part of every human’s life and you don’t know what each person is going through every day. And more than often you can’t do anything to make it better for them. So, all you can do is be kind. And extend that one act of kindness which could make their otherwise shitty day even if a tad bit better. And that counts for something. Right?

Be Kind to Yourself Too!

“Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman

When your friend fails, you are always there telling them that it’s okay because they tried their best. But how do you react to your own failures? Not in the same manner, right? How come you believe in other people’s potential but constantly overlook yours? It’s because more than often you forget to be kind to yourself. Always make it a point to appreciate yourself for the small victories and learn to forgive yourself for those small failures. Thus, the science of kindness doesn’t only say that it should not be for others but also for your own self. 

An Act of Kindness Lasts Forever

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

Does anything last forever? Your favourite ice cream? Spring? No, right? But you do remember the taste of your favourite ice cream and how springtime makes you feel all happy. In a sense, things will end but the impression that they had on you and the way they made you feel will last forever. And so does an act of kindness. It lives forever in your heart. And comes back to you on the best of the days and even the worst of the days. Thus, the science of kindness also explores that an act of kindness, as simple as it might, it comes back to you as memory and lingers as a smile on your face. 

Being Kind is Not Always Easy

“The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.” – Sarah Fielding

Kindness is no rocket science but it’s not also a piece of cake. There will be moments when kindness will come naturally to you and there will be other times when being kind will be really hard. Like, if you are going through a hard time yourself then will you be capable of being kind to others? This is the real test of your kindness. Hardships could either harden you or make you more empathetic towards others’ plights. And it’s difficult to follow the path of kindness when you feel like the world is being unkind to you. But if you still choose to be kind nevertheless then you have mastered the art of kindness. 

Real Kindness is a Selfless Act

“Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.” – Andrew Iskander

You can’t go around helping people in order to fulfil your own ulterior motives and think that it counts as kindness. That’s not kindness. Then, you will only be like those politicians who help the needy only when the elections are around the corner. The science of Kindness says that in its purest sense, kindness is not done with a hope of some return. So, in a sense, kindness comes from the heart and is not a product of the calculations of your mind. 

Kindness Leads to Inner Peace

“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran

If you hurt someone intentionally or even unintentionally, such acts come back to haunt you at night in the shape of regrets. But if your conscience is free of such acts, you experience a sense of happiness. So, kindness in a sense not only helps others but also brings you inner peace. When you are kind to others it makes you feel good about yourself and the deeds you performed. And sometimes it’s this feeling which keeps you going. 

Thus, these were some of the benefits and important things we must know about the science of kindness. When you will look at kindness through these ideas you will know how kindness works and what it does for you and others around you. So, be kind and keep spreading positivity. Then, this world will be a better place for all of us to live in. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such amazing reads on education and don’t forget to check out our exclusive blogs on amazing careers, courses and more!