The Kindness Box

[Geoff-Allen]

Are you as kind as you think you are?

How much does kindness matter?

Do you actually take a stand for what you believe in?

Do you put yourself out there to do good?

These are questions I ask myself and my friends, in part, because we share more hassles and heartaches than anything else.

We can find ourselves complaining about fellow humans, the political scene, and world affairs. Our attention immediately goes to the negative and we can feel upset or helpless. And what a downer that is.

Taking Stock of Kindness: 20 Questions to Ask Yourself

The reason that kindness matters is because energy follows attention. And keeping attention on kindness draws more of it into our world.

livepurposefullynow.com

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Questions to cultivate kindness

In a world that worships accomplishments and success, kindness can sometimes be seen as less important … or even unnecessary.

But kindness is how we truly connect with each other, and how we live a meaningful life. As Joseph B. Wirthlin wrote:

“Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and moulds relationships that can last lifetimes.”

Here’s a list of questions to help you nurture kindness within yourself and between each other:

25 questions to cultivate kindness towards yourself and others - Deeper Conversations

Here's a list of questions to help you nurture kindness within yourself and between each other...

deeperconvos.com

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

The end of the year is a hectic time. Kids are checking out as spring fever kicks in and you, as a teacher, are trying to keep it all together while providing your students with some different, extra motivating activities to help them focus.

This letter-writing activity is one that fits the bill perfectly! The added bonus is not only is it a fun end of the year activity for your students, but it is a meaningful one that promotes gratitude and spreads kindness at your school.

I started doing this letter-writing activity quite a few years ago, as I was wracking my brain, trying to find some end of the year activities that were a bit out of the norm. Once I had students writing these letters, I knew it was something that would become one of my end of the year teaching traditions.

So, you may be wondering what exactly is the letter-writing activity, and how do you organize it? I’ll give you step-by-step instructions here!

Spread Some Kindness Letter Writing Activity - The Teacher Next Door

The end of the year is a hectic time. Kids are checking out as spring fever kicks in and you, as a teacher, are trying to keep it all together while providing your students with some different, extra motivating activities to help them focus. This letter-writing activity is one that fits the bill...

the-teacher-next-door.com

 

[Geoff-Allen]

You want your child to grow up to be a kind, compassionate person.

At least I don’t think anyone sets out to raise a meanie.

You have this mental picture of your child as an adult – thoughtful, generous, and loved by their friends and family.

But then you look at the child in front of you.

Maybe you have a toddler throwing the tantrum to end all temper tantrums over the fact that you won’t let them stick a phone charger in the light socket. Or a grade-schooler who loses at Monopoly and flips the board over then storms off. Or a tween who rolls their eyes at 97.3 percent of what you say.

It’s not exactly clear how you’re supposed to help your child get from point A to point B.

Why you need to give your child a 'kindness dilemma'

Harvard researchers say that if you want to raise a kind kid, you need to give your child "kindness dilemmas" like this.

happyyouhappyfamily.com

Enjoy!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

The Paradoxical Commandments

{Vaguely on topic?}

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

Read the rest and the latest from the original author here -

Anyway | Paradoxical Commandments

The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith have touched the hearts of millions around the world. They have been put on walls, refrigerator doors, featured in speeches and articles, preached from pulpits, shared extensively on the web, and used by business, military, and government leaders.

www.paradoxicalcommandments.com

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

We can all agree that the world needs more kindness! I believe that the very best way to teach students how to be kind is by modeling kindness yourself. What better way to show students what it means to be kind?

Another powerful tool to start discussions about kindness is using mentor texts. There are amazing picture books that show the importance of kindness and have examples and non-examples of kindness.

Check out the list below for some of my favorite mentor texts for teaching kindness!

Mentor Texts for Teaching Kindness - The Teacher Next Door

We can all agree that the world needs more kindness! I believe that the very best way to teach students how to be kind is by modeling kindness yourself. What better way to show students what it means to be kind? Another powerful tool to start discussions about kindness is using mentor texts...

the-teacher-next-door.com

All the bst!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

God is found in acts of kindness, compassion, love, and generosity, and not in money, fame, or power.

Harold Kushner

Many more at this huge site-

30 Best Harold Kushner Quotes With Image | Bookey

1.Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth, or power. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter.2.Forgiveness is not just an occasional act; i

www.bookey.app

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Bible Verses About Giving From The Heart

What does the Bible say about generosity? There are many biblical verses that encourage us to be generous and kind with others as our generosity will be returned to us by God. Proverbs 11:24 states "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." It is righteous to practice generosity with our family, friends, and community as scripture inspires. Not only do we gain favor with God by being charitable voluntarily, but we also produce goodwill among our fellow humans and a society of benevolence and compassion. May this collection of scripture quotes shed some light on the importance and benefit of being generous with the blessings God has given us.

Discover the greatest Bible verses about generosity below!

25 Bible Verses about Generosity: "More Blessed to Give"

What does the Bible say about generosity? Read scriptures that encourage us to be generous as our generosity will be returned to us by God.

www.biblestudytools.com

That's yet another huge site if you have the time & the inclination!

Enjoy!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

God loves a cheerful giver

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the apostle Paul said, "God loves a cheerful giver." While encouraging the believers in Corinth to give generously, Paul didn't want them to give beyond their means, "reluctantly or under compulsion." Most importantly, he wanted them to rely on their inner convictions. This passage and this devotional are reminders that God is more concerned about the motives of our heart than our actions.

Find Out Why God Loves a Cheerful Giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7

God loves a cheerful giver Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 9:7. The Lord calls us to be joyful in everything we do for others because this pleases God.

www.learnreligions.com

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?

There are nine fruits of the Spirit which are imparted to believers. These fruits are the obvious evidence that a person has the Spirit of God living inside and ruling over them. They display the character of a life submitted to God.

A Guide to the Nine Fruits of the Spirit - Definition and Examples

Nine fruits of the Spirit are imparted to believers as evidence that a person has the Spirit of God living inside and ruling over them.

www.learnreligions.com

All the best!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

The Six Perfections, or paramitas, are guides for Mahayana Buddhist practice. They are virtues to be cultivated to strengthen practice and bring one to enlightenment.

The Six Perfections describe the true nature of an enlightened being, which, in Mahayana practice, is to say they are our own true buddha-nature. If they don't seem to be our true nature, it is because the perfections are obscured by our delusion, anger, greed, and fear. By cultivating these perfections, we bring this true nature into expression.

A Guide to Practicing the Six Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism

The Six Perfections or Paramitas are guides for those who seek enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism. This article introduces the Perfections.

www.learnreligions.com

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

The beatitudes are "blessed sayings" that come from the opening verses of the famous Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Here Jesus stated several blessings, each beginning with the phrase, "Blessed are ..." (Similar declarations appear in Jesus' Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:20-23.) Each saying speaks of a blessing or "divine favor" that will be bestowed on the person who possesses a certain character quality.

Beatitude Meaning

The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness."

The phrase "blessed are" in each beatitude implies a current state of happiness or well-being. This expression held a powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of Christ's day. In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are those who possess these inward qualities." While speaking of a current "blessedness," each pronouncement also promised a future reward.

"Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, for they will receive mercy."

More at that site -

Do You Know the Meaning of the Beatitudes?

The beatitudes come from the opening verses of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. These proverb-like sayings contain rich meanings and are worth studying.

www.learnreligions.com

 

[Geoff-Allen]

‘Loving-Kindness’ in the Buddhist and Christian Traditions

In the article, “Brahma-Vihara: The Four Divine States or Four Immeasurables,” Barbara O-Brien describes metta or loving-kindness as “benevolence toward all beings, without discrimination or selfish attachment.” When one practices this trait, the love one holds for all beings is likened to the affection a mother feels for her child. She states that characteristics such as anger, ill will, hatred, and aversion are eliminated.

In the article, “The Four Brahma Viharas,” One Mind Dharma asserts metta or “gentle friendliness,” another translation of metta, is a quality of the heart that is nurtured for the sake of all sentient beings including the practitioner. It is described as “the opening of the heart to the experience of others” cultivated through-loving kindness meditation.

Much more at this address -

‘Loving-Kindness’ in the Buddhist and Christian Traditions – Precious Blood Renewal Center

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Scrolling a little way down that page -

Love is a dominant thread that binds Christianity. It is the centerpiece around which the teachings of Jesus rotate. The love to which Jesus calls us is inclusive, unconditional, and extends to those that we may find difficult to love. Jesus challenges us:

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

[Geoff-Allen]

People making a difference in their community

Plus the suggested searches ...

For example -

“To me, community is more than a location where you live, it's the people around and how we interact. It is a place where we can feel safe and included; being neighborly and caring for one another. I believe it’s important to be a contributing citizen to have a positive impact on those around us. Helping others with even the smallest gesture such as donating a coat or helping throw some salt on their steps can make a difference in someone’s life. Many times the elderly are forgotten and lonely. I wish there was more I could do to enrich their lives. We have a community center for seniors and I would really like to give time to help however I can. With Covid, it has been challenging to take action as I would like. I’ve participated in making ornaments and cards for the elderly as it is a socially safe way to give a little encouragement and a little happiness. I hope to soon be able to visit nursing homes and provide some much-needed companionship.”

8 Young People Who Are Helping to Strengthen Their Communities

DoSomething members are inspiring long-lasting and positive change in their communities.

www.dosomething.org

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

We're all familiar with the saying “it's better to give than receive”. What might surprise you is that this is actually backed up by research.

Those of us who are kind and compassionate experience clear benefits to our well-being and happiness. We may even live longer. Kindness also helps reduce stress and improve our emotional well-being.1,2

We all have so much going on in our lives - competing strains and stresses – not to mention the recent coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns. This has sometimes pushed kindness to one side, in favour of what is urgent now.

It can be easy to show kindness when posting online, but when it comes to reality it's harder to commit to kindness in our real-life words and actions.

That comes from a comprehensive guide to kindness - read here -

Kindness matters guide

This guide is written to demonstrate the positive effect that helping others can have on your own mental health, including some suggestions that will inspire you.

www.mentalhealth.org.uk

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Scroll to bottom of that page and "Useful Organisations" - such as -

Action for Happiness - Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier society. They also run the International Day of Happiness.

Do-it - Volunteering made easy. Quickly find ways to help in your community by searching their online database of volunteering opportunities in your area.

International Voluntary Service - Links volunteers with charities and other organisations that could benefit from their time, skills and experience.

Kindness UK - Promoting, sharing and uniting kindness. Take part in the first-ever nationwide kindness survey.

Samaritans - Volunteers are at the heart of Samaritans’ 201 branches across the UK, delivering core services, running branches, fundraising and raising awareness of what they do.

Cheers!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Volunteer Stories

Volunteer Stories Archives - International Voluntary Service

ivsgb.org

All the best!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

There are so many ways to extend kindness in your life. Kindness can be intrinsic (such as with a loving kindness meditation) or extrinsic; it can come in the form of positivity, patience, reassurance, or a helping hand; it can cost you money or be entirely free. Because of this, anyone anywhere has the capacity to be kind. As wonderful as it is to be kind to your family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones, it's just as important — if not even more so — to be kind to complete strangers. After all, you never know what someone's going through or just how much a random act of kindness could turn their day around. And that's the beauty of kindness, you see: It doesn't only benefit those on the receiving end; truly, it feels good to be kind. So, keep reading to remind yourself of the power of kindness with these quotes.

60 Kindness Quotes That Will Inspire You to Spread More Love

Let these short quotes about kindness guide your actions today.

www.womansday.com

Enjoy your browsing!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Kindness helping hand -

How important is kindness? In a 2003 study of 37 cultures around the world, 16,000 subjects were asked about their most desired traits in a mate. For both sexes, the first preference was kindness!

People want to be treated kindly but have a harder time being kind themselves. A large-scale study of school bullies was recently conducted to learn why they bully other kids. The conclusion? Most do it because they enjoy doing it.

This illustrates how cruel, mean and sadistic raw human nature is. Kindness must be learned, and many children are not being taught it.

In fact, much of the media they're exposed to teaches the opposite. Violence and other terrible influences in media entertainment cause people to become desensitized and calloused toward the needs and feelings of others.

Kindness: From the Heart to the Helping Hand > The Fruit of the Spirit

Cheers!