What is kindness?
Defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, kindness is the embodiment of generosity, helpfulness and a genuine concern for others. Gestures of kindness create deeper connections and provide a sense of belonging.
Kansas State University blog, written by Charles A. Smith describes caring as showing a “demonstrated concern for the well-being of another. Caring is active, not passive”.
The Collins Dictionary definition of kindness is the acts of gentleness, and also being caring, and helpful.
The Mayo Clinic provides a broad view of kindness, both to ourselves and others. Kindness is about self-care just as much as it is about being kind to others, with a focus on body and mind, as well as a morning self-affirmation that relates to how you will practice kindness.
People receive medals for acts of heroism, placing their own lives at risk to care for another’s welfare. Parents care for their children, emergency service workers, paramedics, firefighters, police and volunteer emergency staff. Levels of care can be personal or external to our lives. People can care every day, and some acts of caring are spontaneous, such as in the times when another person needs help. A person stepping in to help a stranger is caring. A person looking after an ill friend or family member is caring. Showing concern for a person or animal’s health and well-being is caring.