Why do Random Acts of Kindness make us feel so good? Whether we are the giver or the receiver, they make our hearts smile. Recently, I was on the receiving end of an Random Act of Kindness. I was feeling a little blue, because I was missing my nieces who live 2 hours away. Then in my teacher’s box at school, an apple and note appeared. I was so tickled. So simple, yet it meant so much. I had no idea who did it or who to thank.
Why did it make me feel so good? Did the randomness make me feel like it was a smile from God to encourage me. Was it because I was reminded that the simple things in life are the best things? Maybe I was being reminded that love is a verb and not a feeling like Hollywood tries to teach us.
I later found out it was a precious teacher. Instead of giving up something for Lent, she decided to do Random Acts of Kindness. Mrs. Hairston, thanks for teaching me about love “the verb”.
Why do you think Random Acts of Kindness make us feel so good? How do you teach your kids about Random Acts of Kindness?
Love,
Lisa
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Lisa, if you are interested in the science of why doing or observing acts of kindness makes us feel good, I came across this interesting article which explains the psychology behind it – http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/02/04/observe-a-good-deed-perform-a-good-deed/11180.html
There is also a UC Berkeley study that shows that humans are successful as a species precisely because of our nurturing,
altruistic and compassionate traits. They call it ’survival of the …
kindest’.”
Not only does the study suggest that our human capacity for caring
and cooperation is hardwired into our genes, but that we individually
acquire more influence and respect in proportion to how generous we are!
“Sympathy is indeed wired into our brains and bodies; and it spreads from one person to another through touch.”
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208155309.htm
There may be hope for us all yet! :D
Jasper Blake
Social media manager for UOWHO.COM
jasper@uowho.com