Just as stress is contagious, did you know that being kind is too? Not only is kindness contagious, hope is contagious, and compassion is contagious, too.

Maybe it’s time to spread the good stuff! 

I define compassion as “love in action.” Compassion is not just feeling sympathetic, it’s not just feeling empathy, compassion is taking inspired action to relieve someone’s suffering.

I know people who respond to hearing about someone’s suffering by saying, I’ll pray for you. Well, compassion begins there, but isn’t just that. I was reading a quote from a celebrated American author, Alan Cohen, who wrote, “Prayer is not a substitute for action. Action is not a substitute for prayer.”

There’s always an opportunity to do more.

Yes, many of us are taught to pray for those in need. It’s easy to do on the spot, and it certainly does make a marked difference (see the studies below*), but maybe this is the time on this planet to do more. Perhaps we can make more of a difference, to meet the strife that is all around with inspired action.

Did you know that when you are moved to show care and compassion towards another living being, it creates “feel good” hormones. Not only might you relieve their suffering, but studies show that when someone witnesses your act of kindness, it literally effects the way they feel and how they experience the world, too. What a ripple effect!

One practice I love to engage in is performing anonymous Acts of Kindness. 

Have you ever sent flowers anonymously to someone you knew could use some cheering up? Or helped someone who is struggling, or left a thoughtful note under the windshield wiper of someone’s car?

While we are all bracing ourselves against another bit of bad news, you can be the one who makes this world a magical, supportive experience.

When was the last time you were truly kind to someone who you didn’t know? 

Today, what if you went out of your way to be genuinely kind to someone who you imagine is in need of a little compassion? What if you did it without expecting appreciation? Do it for them. Imagine the ripple effect of kindness. Not only will they enjoy a moment of surprise and support, you can feel good too.

Whether you offer a helping hand, a donation, a card, a letter, a prayer, or a gift, experiment and do it anonymously, without being noticed or taking credit for it. See what happens!

Get some other good ideas for acts of kindness, here.

Research: Research Gate; National Institutes of Health