Practicing Kindness and Generosity

We all want to be kind and generous at times. Being kind and generous are actually easy to do when we have positive thoughts about ourselves. In order to truly be kind and generous, we need to first define what it is that we mean by being kind and generous.


Kindness means a lot of different things to different people. To me, being kind means treating another person the way you would want to be treated. To others, it might mean helping others in some way.

When we are Kind, we give without expecting something in return. This could be anything from a smile to a hug, to a kind word or even a thank you. When we practice kindness, we can expect to receive more of it. Kindness makes a person feel good within and makes them feel important to give to whom they think that they may be able to benefit in some way.

Of course, being kind means much more than just giving without expecting anything in return. Kindness also means showing concern for others. If you are kind to your spouse or partner, they will likely reciprocate and show similar concern for you. The act of caring about someone shows that you are there for them and love them in return.

Being kind can also lead to generosity. When a person has kind intentions, they tend to be kinder to those they interact with. They are kinder not only to those they interact with, but to other people as well. This does not only extend to their relationships with others, but extends to others who they come into contact with as well.

One of the most powerful aspects of kindness is compassion. Compassion is an emotion that can actually make us feel good. This does not mean that we want to feel good only when it comes to others. Rather, compassion helps us let go of our own negative emotions and feelings so that we can become more appreciative of others. We also learn to be a better friend to those around us. Our kindnesses can often bring about goodness in others as well.

Another important component of kindness and generosity is gratitude. If you genuinely show gratitude for the things you receive from others, you will find that your generosity will begin to extend beyond the self. You will be kinder to those you interact with on a daily basis. You will also show an increased level of respect for them. The act of gratitude is a form of expression, and by expressing your appreciation of others, you are able to put forth a positive light on them as well. Individuals who are kind and generous tend to have high self esteem and positive relationships with others.

The most beneficial aspect of kindness and generosity is that these behaviors are easy for us to practice. All we need to do is to express our gratitude, be kind to those we are around, and be thankful for the simple things. Once we start to follow through on these three tenets of kindness and generosity, we will notice a shift in our interactions with others. Our level of respect for others will increase, and this in turn can only benefit everyone.

There are various kinds of kindnesses. When we are being kind to ourselves, family or friends, it is generally expressed by taking small, thoughtful measures to ensure their well being. These actions do not require much effort on our part, and yet our actions will demonstrate that we are kind and generous at the same time.

Practicing kindness and generosity also involves appreciating the value others place in us and in the world. While it is nice to always say thank you, expressing this type of gratitude to others is not always practical. The best way to do this in today's society is to simply act as if you appreciate their existence and their good traits. This does not mean that you have to spend countless hours listening to great classical music; the act of appreciating others through kindness and generosity is just as meaningful to the simple person as it is to the cultured elite.


Practicing kindness and generosity is not something that we should learn overnight, but it certainly is something that we can learn. Our actions, even when they appear unplanned, can create a positive affect on those around us. Studies have shown that kindnesses done routinely can lead to increased levels of happiness, better health, and a greater sense of well being. It is in your own interests to practice kindnesses regularly, for your own well being and the well being of those around you.