20 November 2024
Article: Jossa Corpuz
Graphics: Jia Moral, Mitz Sabellano, Krystle Mae Labio, Ian Stephen Velez
Moderator: Ian Stephen Velez, Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo
Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
World Kindness Day originated in 1998 when the World Kindness Movement and a coalition of non-governmental organizations initiated this international observance. Studies says that simply seeing acts of kindness can have a positive impact. Kindness can boost self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve someone’s mood. It can also increase your sense of connectivity with others, which can directly impact someone’s loneliness and improve low mood or enhance relationships in general. (SSM Health, 2024)
The movement sought to highlight the common thread of kindness that unites all people, emphasizing the power of small deeds.
There are many ways to celebrate World Kindness Day. Here are just a few:
- Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Small acts can have a significant impact! Surprise a stranger with a kind note, help an elderly neighbor with their groceries, plant a tree, or buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line.
- Volunteer for a Good Cause: Find local organizations or charities that align with your values and offer your time and skills. Serving at a soup kitchen, cleaning up a park, or tutoring children are all great ways to make a tangible difference.
- Practice Self-Kindness: Kindness starts within. Nurturing yourself is important. Participate in activities that bring you joy, practice self-care, and extend compassion to your own needs. When you are kind to yourself and focus on the positive aspects of your life, you radiate kindness to others.
- Create a Kindness Ripple: Inspire your community by organizing events that promote kindness. Host a kindness-themed art exhibition, initiate a community cleanup project, or arrange a kindness-themed talk. Encourage others to join in and amplify the ripple effect of kindness.
- Spread Kindness Online: Share uplifting stories, and inspirational quotes, or participate in conversations that promote kindness and empathy. Use hashtags like #WorldKindnessDay to connect with a wider audience.
World Kindness Day is an opportunity to reflect on our power to make a difference through acts of kindness. By embracing kindness, we can create a ripple effect that spreads throughout our communities and beyond. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world.
Questions:
Self:
- How can you overcome challenges that hinder you from being kind?
Society
- How does kindness influence the mental health and well-being of a community?
System
- What policies do you suggest to promote kindness at a societal level?
References:
- World Kindness Day. (n.d.). UNESCO MGIEP. https://mgiep.unesco.org/article/world-kindness-day
- SSM Health. (2024, November 14). The science behind kindness and how it’s good for your health. SSMHealth.com. https://www.ssmhealth.com/newsroom/blogs/ssm-health-matters/november-2022/the-science-behind-kindness
- UNESCO MGIEP. (n.d.). World Kindness Day. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://mgiep.unesco.org/world-kindness-day
Convoy of Hope. (2024, October 1). World Kindness Day 2024. Convoy of Hope. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.convoyofhope.org/articles/world-kindness-day-2024/
