by Kristin Frauenhoffer
It sounds almost trivial, but I am firmly convinced that we may not be able to save the world by being kind, but we can make it a much better place to live in. This is also the belief of the US organisation Random Acts of Kindness, which has set itself the task of promoting and supporting a movement of kindness in the world.
The idea of kindness
In a world that feels increasingly harsh and in which one crisis follows the next, a simple act of kindness can make a big difference. A sincere ‘How are you?’, a smile or a helping hand at the right moment – these are the gestures that count. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has made it its mission to make these small moments of humanity an everyday occurrence. Because they believe that it is in each of us to do good. Even if we sometimes forget how much influence we really have.
The beginning of a movement
The idea of ‘random acts of kindness’ began in the 1980s and quickly grew into a bigger movement calling for more compassion and humanity. In the midst of all the news about violence and pain that you constantly heard in the media even back then, this appeal was a spark of hope. It was the publicist Anne Herbert who coined the term ‘random acts of kindness’ in California in 1982. She labelled the place mats in a restaurant with the words ‘practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty’. It was intended as a contrast to the common saying ‘random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty’.
In 1995, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was founded on this basis with the aim of bringing a culture of kindness into schools, communities and companies.
A world full of compassion
One of the organisation’s slogans is: ‘Kindness is the norm.’ Acts of Kindness Foundation. This means that kindness should not be an exception, but an everyday, self-evident behaviour. It is precisely this vision that drives the US-based organisation. Its work consists not only of inspiring people, but also of providing them with tools to actively integrate kindness into their everyday lives. They believe that a kind gesture is like a stone thrown into the water. The ripples spread out, touching others and creating a movement that gets bigger and bigger.
Norm shows how it’s done – in this entertaining video clip, which can be found on the organisation’s website:
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has developed programmes that are used around the world to show people that they have the power to make positive change. From schools learning how to treat each other with respect to businesses putting the wellbeing of their employees first, kindness is at the centre of everything they do. The organisation’s website offers a range of free resources, including ideas for spontaneous acts of kindness, inspiring stories, quotes and tips on how to integrate kindness into everyday life. These resources are accessible to everyone and are designed to help people act with more conscious kindness.
And then there are the RAKtivists, who are dedicated to spreading kindness and forming a global community. These volunteers not only carry out acts of kindness, but also motivate other people in their communities to get actively involved. October, for example, is ‘Socktober’ at RAK. A month in which people buy socks for those in need or produce them themselves. There are instructions on the website on how to turn this into a larger campaign. The RAKtivists are an example of how you don’t have to be influential or powerful to make a difference. You just have to be prepared to act from the heart.
Random Acts of Kindness Week is an annual highlight for those who believe the world can be a better place. This one week in February is a reminder that kindness is not just for one day or one moment. It should be practised all year round.
Friendliness is contagious in the best sense of the word
And it gets even better: kindness is not a one-way street, but contagious in the best sense of the word. In recent years, more and more neuroscientific studies have shown that kindness has profound positive effects on our own well-being. When we perform an act of kindness, our brain releases a number of ‘happiness hormones’, including dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are known to lower stress levels, improve mood and increase overall well-being. Kind actions actually activate the so-called ‘reward centre’ in the brain, which gives us a feeling of joy and fulfilment.
Researchers often talk about the so-called ‘helper’s high’, the feeling of euphoria that arises when we help others. This euphoria is comparable to what we experience after intense sport or physical activity. Studies have shown that people who act kindly on a regular basis have lower stress levels, lower blood pressure and even a stronger immune system.
Kindness is contagious – it’s not just science that says this, we also feel it inside ourselves. When we smile at someone who is having a bad day or when we help a stranger in need, it is like bringing light into a dark room.
Inspiration for random acts of kindnesses in everyday life
So how can the whole idea be put into practice? It’s very simple: start small. Hold the door open for someone, tell someone that they are important, pay for the coffee for the person behind you in the queue. Make a resolution for today to give someone a kind gesture. These small acts may seem insignificant, but they are the start of a chain reaction that goes on and on.
Here is a small list for inspiration for random acts of kindness in everyday life:
- Praise your colleague for their work.
- Smile at a stranger on the street.
- Help someone old/sick across the street.
- Put your smartphone aside when talking to someone.
- Give a compliment.
- Listen to others without interrupting them.
- Hug someone (or your partner) spontaneously and for no reason.
- Go for a walk (as an act of kindness towards yourself).
- Be friendly, even if you are in a hurry.
- Answer the phone with a smile – people will hear it.
- … the list goes on and on. Once you start being kinder, the random acts of kindness will come naturally. I promise!
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation shows that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t need grand gestures or perfect words, just a willingness to engage in the moment and act from the heart. Because we all have the ability to make a difference – not through great deeds, but through the little things that are right in front of us. Because in the end, it is precisely these small acts of kindness that make the world a better place.
You can find out more about the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and get lots of inspiration on their website.
This article is protected by copyright.
Do you know our Make Someone Happy stories?
Make Someone Happy:How small gestures of kindness change the way we look at the world
Gina from Make Someone Happy:„We can make a big difference in the world.“
