You have the power within you to be kind, show compassion and actively listen to others. Those abilities only need to be cultivated, but it takes time, effort and practice to develop them. With kindness, compassion and active listening you promote thriving in your life, increase positive emotions, strengthen social connections and thus make a real difference in how you live your life. Remember, human connection is the most valuable gift you can give another person.
Show acts of kindness.
When you show acts of kindness you raise your happiness levels. Studies show that being kind to others by being generous with your time, money or other resources boosts your happiness and wellbeing more than spending money on yourself. You create a virtuous cycle by acting kindly leading to increased happiness and more acts of kindness. Studies show as well that as happiness level rise our immune system gets stronger leading to less health issues. One way to practice this is with directing warm and kind thoughts to all people with loving-kindness meditation. Acting kindly boosts your self-esteem and you notice the impact in your close surroundings, workplace and community.
Live with a compassionate heart.
Compassion can be translated having an ability to notice what is going on with another person with a notion that you want to help them. It involves real action like asking how can I help or purely taking the other into account. Compassionate living enhances wellbeing thus our ability rises to function under stress, change or adversity. For example in workplaces when people feel seen and heard they become more committed to their employer and work, as well as happier. In an atmosphere that is inspiring and supportive new ideas are born and people are not afraid making a mistake and to come forward with fresh thoughts. Living compassionately makes you care for others and increase your pro-social behaviour. Acts of compassion can be small even looking other one to theirs eyes and smiling creating that connection that we all enjoy.
Active listening.
Active listening benefits several aspects of your life such as working life and relationships. When you listen to others you create opportunities for deeper connection making the other person feeling valued as seen and heard . With active listening you use all five senses. It is a way of showing interest, respect and support to others and what is being said. Through active listening people feel more understood and all parties are more satisfied with the outcome.
Decide to make kindness, compassion and active listening part of who you are. Make it a way of living and keep connecting with others. When we stay curious about life and people we naturally want to open up ourselves witnessing real bonding happen between people. Your supportive behavior will make a difference at workplace and in personal life bringing more happiness and satisfaction.
“Be soft, don’t let the world make you hard. Be gentle, don’t let the people make you difficult. Be kind, don’t let the realities of life steal your sweetness and make you heartless.
– Nurudeen Ushawu
Photo courtesy of Unsplash / Priscilla Du Preez