Random Acts of Kindness

Practising regular, random, good deeds paves the way for a better day.

It’s true that what goes around comes around. This ties in with the notion of Karma, whereby our actions ‘bear fruit’; good Karma arising from virtuous actions. Everything we do has an outcome and the manner in which we do it has the capacity for creating a ripple effect. One simple act that draws upon a genuine generosity of spirit can multiply itself into the thousands and makes for many a smiling face and brightened day. Such acts have come to be universally known as ‘random acts of kindness’ and have become a vehicle for books (most notably one by Danny Wallace and his ‘Karma Army’), websites such as Australia's own Wake Up Sydney created by Jono Fisher and organisations all intent on spreading positive feeling and open-handedness both within their communities and throughout the world.

When did it all begin?

Anne Herbert, a writer and peace activist (who can nowadays be found keeping a blog entitled ‘Peace and Love and Noticing the Details’), can be credited as having brought the phrase into the realm of the masses in the 1980s, although people have been carrying out random acts of kindness for far longer than that. You don’t have to be particularly religious to know that these are spoken of in the Bible, and in Ancient Greek literature there are tales of householders taking in weary travellers, which indicates that extending a hospitable hand to a stranger in need was par for the course in those days. Whilst two and a half thousand years ago, the I Ching reasoned that:

“True kindness does not count upon or ask about merit and gratitude but acts from inner necessity. And such a truly kind heart finds itself rewarded in being recognised, and thus the beneficial influence will spread unhindered.”

What gives rise to a Random Act of Kindness?

A random act of kindness can either be spontaneous or pre-meditated, but at its heart is unconditional benevolence and selflessness. It is created when an individual or group carry out something purely for the benefit of another. Such acts are ‘random’ because they don’t discriminate, whilst the ‘kindness’ resides in there being a complete absence of agenda other than in the desire to deliver a bit of unadulterated compassion to another fellow being.

Health Benefits of Being Kind

When we volunteer something of ourselves and the deed is gladly accepted, this altruism bolsters a feeling of connectedness. It reassures us that when the going gets tough we are in some small way, by offering a helping hand, contributing to a better and more secure place to live in, rather than being entrenched in a community or society where folk turn their back on one another. Having this kind of purpose can improve wellbeing by:

• easing anxiety
• strengthening the immune system
• reducing negative attitudes that trigger too many stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) in the body
• inducing something known as a "helper's high," a euphoric feeling that is followed by a phase of calm.

How can I offer a Random Act of Kindness?

Research conducted by Stephen Post, a professor of bioethics, and outlined in his book ‘Why Good Things Happen to Good People’ concludes that those who engage in charitable conduct are more likely to lead longer, happier lives themselves. But a random act of kindness should not unnecessarily deprive you of your time or money as this will only make you worry and feel despondent, so no need to fork out a $50 note to a homeless person if you know you’ll need it to pay towards that week’s bills, and don’t sign yourself up to assist on a fundraising campaign if you’re already struggling to find time to complete tasks at home and at work. There are many ways to offer kindness randomly without biting off more than you can chew.

• Tell somebody if you truly think they’re doing a good job, whether it is the lollipop lady, bus driver, librarian or waiter.
• Offer to pick up a few groceries for an elderly neighbour.
• Look after your friends kids for an hour.
• Buy your friends a bunch of flowers, just because.
• Or, if you really want to do something anonoymous, visit Wake Up Sydney and request your own Kindness Cards to help start a Kindness Revolution.

Written by Cassandra Duell, Springday Expert

Back to Health

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