by Tracy Brooks

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Acts of kindness have the power to inspire,encourage and uplift. These benefits are felt by not only the receiver of the kindness,but in the giver as well. Kindness is a virtue that brings a sense of integrity and well-being. These effects are long lasting and do appear to be a "bit contagious."

Some of the smallest acts of kindness can reap enormous benefits. A few ways to add the kindness routine to your life are:

1. Simply paying attention- One of the kindest ways to show someone you care is to offer them your full,undivided attention. Genuinely listening to others encourages a sense of compassion and connection.

2. Share your smile- A warm smile can uplift the mood of people. It is a universal gesture that can bring out both well-being and lower feelings of isolation. I have watched sharing smiles transform the feeling of a place, usually within minutes. it can be something you "pay forward", as your smile invites others to join in!

3. Hold please- Holding a door open may sound simplistic, but is a kind thing to do. Try to wait a moment or two for that person behind you as you enter the store or office. (Automatic doors have kind of taken some of this fun away but you can get the picture). this is an especially effective act when the person seems distracted or does not really expect it. Even if you don't hear thank you right away, you have started a "snowball effect"...someone will in turn do another kind act.

4. Be grateful- Being in a state of gratitude is very powerful. It is impossible to feel appreciation and negativity at the same time! Look around for all the little things that bring you joy. say thank you aloud more often. When you are in a grateful place your mood and tat of others uplifts.

5. Give of yourself- In both big and small ways, this is so powerful. There is a true "helper's high" that comes when you extend yourself to help someone else. Stress related illnesses are much lower in people that volunteer regularly. So give the gift of your time, volunteer at a local animal shelter or soup kitchen. Introduce yourself to an elderly neighbor, offer to check on her a few times a week. These acts of compassion not only lift the spirits, they are good for your immune system.

6. Send out kind thoughts,speak kind words- If you encounter someone that looks or acts as if they are really having a rough day, try sending them a kind thought, a quick prayer. In your family try offering more kind words. Letting someone know how much you adore them, or how lovely they look in the afternoon sun can really spread a good mood throughout the house.

7. Be kinder to yourself- Please don't forget that true compassion stems from a place of making friends with yourself. Each day, try to be kinder,gentler to you. It could be listening to some beautiful music or taking time to be in your garden. Each day allow your kindness to blossom. The more you can be kinder to you, the more your kindness will outpour to the world.

The Buddha said that loving-kindness is the surest way to reduce fear. It is a way to diffuse anger, eliminate indifference and invite more balance. Acts of kindness uplift you both mentally and physically. So try letting some kindness flow, it's good for you and the world!

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