Merriam-Webster defines Kindness as the state of being kind i.e of a helpful, gentle and empathetic nature and defines Charity as generosity and helpfulness, especially towards the needy and/or suffering i.e aid given to those in need. Charity and Kindness as concepts both hinge on one very specific bolt and that is the fact that Charity and Kindness both give and give freely without the expectation of any profit in return.
In the world, today kindness is portrayed on larger scales through Charitable “Non-Profit” Organizations vastly known as NGOs. These organizations work on a large scale and aim at providing for the meek and needy. Provisions like food, water, shelter, toiletries, health and hygiene products and clothing amongst others. They also focus on eradicating poverty, lack of education, pollution, climate change due to man’s corruption and much more.
Mahatma Gandhi once said,” The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. “ Charitable organizations work endlessly in their pursuit of making these words a reality. They care about the survival of our earth and subsequently the survival of the human race at large. Whilst they take care of supporting people in need by making provisions available to them on a much larger scale; it must fall on us to carry the torch of kindness forward through simple acts of kindness towards one another.
Kindness is abstract. It stems from good character. These are qualities that aren’t visible to the human eye. Qualities like kindness, gentleness, and empathy, are all feelings that are felt by us. We manifest these feelings through action. This compelling call to action rising from the feelings of empathy that we feel is called Kindness. While we may not be able to dedicate all our time towards Charity, we can always dedicate ourselves to being helpful to those around us through small acts of goodness and kindness.
Kindness as it happens is inherent to human beings and is inculcated in us throughout our childhood. We witness acts of kindness all around us. As kids, when we have needed to borrow pencils and crayons up to when we see people help each other push a vehicle that has broken down in the middle of the street. Kindness is developed through empathy. Empathy is what one feels when one puts themselves in others’ shoes and kindness is how empathy is expressed; by helping them and making their lives a little bit easier and better.
Every living being is deserving of and capable of kindness. One need only has good intentions to be kind and nothing more. When one has good intentions, they are attentive and receptive to the needs of others. Kindness takes many forms; Kindness can be shown by lending a helping hand to someone in need or even by lending a good ear. Listening to other people’s problems may be the support they need and becomes subsequently an act of kindness.
The respect we show to our elders is also an act of kindness that is inculcated in us as children. One of the best forms of Kindness is that that is shown to a stranger. Small acts of kindness can light a stranger’s day up and bring a smile to their face. For instance, helping someone cross the street, helping someone carry their overwhelming amount of grocery bags, and even holding the door open is an act of Kindness.
Kindness helps resolve problems. In a tough situation where people’s emotions are involved even if you disagree with their opinions but are kind, and respectful and make your point with compassion whilst bearing in mind to be considerate of their problems and feelings; this act of kindness can help them feel better and facilitate better problem-solving ideas. Judgment can easily lead the situation to go rotten but an act of kindness can serve as a catalyst to diffuse the situation and uplift people into positivity. Whilst we find it easier to be kind to strangers, we often forget to be kind to those closest to us. For instance our siblings and friends; and in cases such as these, the biggest act of kindness is to be supportive of them in every way possible. By Listening to them and encouraging them we may be handing them the strength they need. A kind act is not just limited to human beings but extends to animals as well.
Kindness is often perceived as naivety or weakness because of its extremely gentle approach that cannot be further from the truth. Kindness is not for the weak of heart but for the brave and bold. A Prime Example of Kindness is Mother Teresa, who selflessly dedicated her entire life to serving sick children in a foreign country. In the words of Mother Teresa, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.” She exuded kindness and that is raw strength.
Taking a stance for those that cannot stand up for themselves is the strength we show through kindness. Kindness is truly an act so powerful because it comes with selflessness and no expectation of profit. These acts of Kindness are the Charity we can bring to the world. Kindness has the power to change the world. The world is one act of kindness away from betterment.
