Note: I wrote far too long of an introduction to this, and then moved it to its own post. Read the introduction here.
- Do what you can when you can. Every kind act towards another being makes the world a better place.
- Treat all life with caring respect. All living beings merit kindness and compassion.
- Set your intentions for kind actions each day. Kindness should be as much of a factor in your to-do list as importance and priority.
- Spend time each day wishing the best to people you pass. By adapting this time-tested meditative practice, called metta in Buddhism, you increase the well-being around you.
- Bring joy to each encounter. If you see a friend unexpectedly, or see a baby, or an animal, you likely feel a jolt of spontaneous joy, and you can channel the essence of that joy every time you interact with others.
- Ascribe only the best intentions to others. Even when you are in conflict with someone else, you can defuse “me or you” oppositions by not treating the other party as the bad guy.
- Dare to be inspired. It takes an attitude of open kindness to see models for the good in what you see, hear, and read.
- Value yourself. You need self-compassion, focus, and energy to be an effective kindness practitioner in the world.
- Give. Really, right now, find a cause you care about, and give them even a small donation. Do it.
- Never forget that you are the steward of your own world. The duty of your stewardship is kindness.