World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day is celebrated on 13 November. How can we become happier by doing kind things for others? And how can we help the world by doing kind things for ourselves?

Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises.

Preparation

Can you remember a time when somebody was kind to you? Perhaps a person allowed you to go in front of them in a queue. Maybe your sister phoned you to ask how your week was going. Or perhaps a stranger or a friend helped you in a much deeper way. There are a million ways to offer kindness. And at a time when the world seems to have so many problems, some people have started to take the issue of kindness very seriously indeed!

Why be kind?

Few people would disagree with the idea that a kind action is good for the soul. It is a win-win situation, leading to a sense of well-being both for the receiver of this kind gesture, as well as for the person who does the action. As a simple example, let’s imagine you have a workmate who always does a very good job. How about taking a moment to mention this to them, just in conversation or perhaps by email? The effects of this will probably be quite clear: your workmate will be happy to receive some praise and, in addition, you will probably feel good about yourself for having spread a little joy.

What are ‘random acts of kindness’?

Many organisations try to encourage people to do kind acts, wherever and whenever they can. The idea behind this is that it doesn’t take any major plan to be kind, just a little bit of effort. Perhaps the strongest supporters of this idea are the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Foundation, who work with schools and companies to teach people kindness skills. They operate under the beliefs that kindness can be taught and that it is contagious. Their activities range from suggesting kind acts to allowing their website-users to become ‘RAKtivists’ (people who officially register themselves as activists of kindness).

How can I be kind?

Apart from using your own common sense, the RAK website suggests some more imaginative ways to show kindness. Generally, these fall into three categories. The first is interpersonal kindness. Some examples are donating old clothes to charity or writing a positive online comment about a restaurant that you like. The second is environmental kindness, which could mean simply recycling or organising a group event to clean a local park or beach. The third category is less obvious: personal kindness, which means treating yourself kindly. Some examples are taking a walk in nature or setting yourself an objective to complain less. The logic is that by being kind to yourself, you will automatically be kinder to the world around you.

What is World Kindness Day?

This is an annual celebration which takes place on 13 November each year. The day is marked in many countries, drawing attention to the amazing work of organisations and individuals in local communities. How do people celebrate this day? Well, by being kind … and having lots of fun. One typical event is to use ‘kindness cards’. These are small cards which you hand to somebody when you do a kind act for them – with the message that now it is the other person’s turn to ‘pass on’ the card by doing a kind act for another person.

Most experts on kindness agree that it has a sort of ripple effect. This means that one kind action tends to lead to more and more. So don’t wait for kindness to find you today, go and start a new ripple!

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Discussion

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Submitted by sithutun on Mon, 06/12/2021 - 14:41

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Positive mindset will make us to be more kind to the others. In contrast, negative kills kindness. So, it's essential to keep our mind positive as possible as we can.
We must treat ourselves kindly because it can make our souls being peace and loved.

Submitted by maurob75 on Fri, 19/11/2021 - 09:28

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My grandmother said: who is kind with animals is kind with people.

Submitted by PARIMALA MADIAZHAKAN on Fri, 19/02/2021 - 13:20

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In my opinio suggestion to be kind is learn to listen others. Its because , while we listening others we can understand others feelings. This can help us to be kind with others and don't underestimate others. Yes I agree that it is important to treat yourself kindly.

Submitted by Thinthinmyoe on Thu, 07/01/2021 - 09:21

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Yes, I agree this suggestion.Now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we must be kind olders ,children and poors. It is essential to be kind ourselves by doing good things, thinking good thoughts.

Submitted by Omar nibba on Sat, 26/12/2020 - 07:05

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It's is essential to be kind to others especially starting from your relatives and friends people tend to replicate what they observe from the Other people so by being kind to others you will create more bright community and world
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Submitted by danisep on Tue, 15/12/2020 - 14:39

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Yes It's very important to treat ourselves with kindness, I think we use to be too hard to ourselves not allow ourselves to fail or chastising our failures. trying to improve us constantly at some point it’s good but sometimes it feels this unnecessary pressure that doesn't help to improve. Eat healthy, sleep well, not compare to others and celebrate littles achievements are ways to be kind to ourselves.

Submitted by cittàutopica on Wed, 25/11/2020 - 12:22

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Obviously, I agree about the significance of kindness and its influence on social relations, but I think the World Kindness Day and the others similar actions have to be founded on the basis of nore strong convictions of a ethical or religious nature.

Submitted by Stela Stoycheva on Thu, 05/11/2020 - 13:46

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When we try to help of older people for their shop items to collect in the store; now with that Covid19 situation if we try to help of medical staff in the hospital; good words which we tell someone....
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Submitted by OlaIELTS on Wed, 03/06/2020 - 19:27

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Other ways to be kind include visiting prisons, orphanage homes, widows and so on. Yes. I strongly agree.