It has been truly moving to witness the array of kind gestures, actions and intentions that have taken place throughout the world during recent times. In the face of adversity, we’ve seen the true spirit of humanity shine through, and there is an abundance of research to highlight the mental, physical and emotional benefits of showing kindness to yourself and others.
This weeks post offers an insight into an organisation creating empowering change to spread more kindness in the world. They are doing this through the release of their film Itsy, their Be Kind School Programme and various other campaign initiatives to get the world thinking about the positive impact of kindness. This organisation is our charity partner, Be Kind Movement, and here their Founder and Director Premila Puri shares her kindness mission, alongside a fresh perspective on small acts of kindness we can all do.
We all have the power to make a difference
Founder of Be Kind Movement, Premila Puri
Kindness has been proven to increase our happiness, reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing. At the same time, spreading kindness offers us the opportunity to connect with others, building a stronger sense of community and unity with friends, family, neighbours and even strangers.
A great example of this is the #ClapForCarers campaign, which has seen people across the whole of the UK come together to show their appreciation for our key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This simple act of kindness lets all of those working on the front line know that their hard work and commitment is appreciated and of value, hopefully building up their spirits and boosting positive morale.
I set up Be Kind Movement in 2015, to promote and celebrate the power of Kindness. Using the visual medium of film, the charity’s core mission lies in our Kindness in School Programme, providing learning opportunities for children and young people to develop their emotional intelligence (EQ) skills through acts of kindness.
Can you imagine a world where teaching EQ skills is a natural part of the curriculum? The empowering impact this would create on young peoples minds, carrying into their teen and adult years?
Educating hearts and minds
I believe that educating the hearts and minds of young citizens through the development of EQ skills is critical in preparing them for managing mental health, cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and enhancing their understanding of human behaviour.
This means in early years embedding a culture of kindness and how kindness (or lack of it) can impact the world around them; including their peers, friends, families, and wider community. Higher emotional intelligence equates with an improved sense of wellbeing, and the ability to deal with deeper issues such as anxiety, bullying, and loneliness etc - all of which can start as early as primary school.
Kindness During Covid
Photo entry by @aneela.rose
One way that we’ve started to spread our message is through a national campaign.
In response to the impact of recent times, which has been challenging for many children and young people’s mental health, Be Kind Movement launched a Kindness During Covid photography campaign in April 2020. The goal was for children and young people to take solace from messages of kindness and positive affirmations, at a time when they needed it the most.
I believe pictures speak a thousand words and can bring a smile to someone’s face who may be dealing with the loss of a loved one or facing anxiety through loneliness. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented warmth, love and kindness.
The images will furthermore be included in our Kindness workshop discussions with children, surrounding how we lived and celebrated values of solidarity, compassion, sacrifice and empathy during COVID-19. Additionally, we will discuss how we can make these values the norm and sustainable in our everyday life post COVID-19.
Our #kindnessduringcovid photography campaign captured these acts of kindness, gratitude and empathy in photographs, sent in by the public. Take a look, give yourself a smile and see what these images inspire you to do.
4 Small acts of kindness you can do today
With all the above in mind, here are a few small acts of kindness you can do today:
1. Send a message to a friend who you have not spoken to in some time. Ask how they are, reconnect and see what develops - what better time to do this than now?
2. Thank someone who you appreciate. We all relate to the basic human need of feeling appreciated and valued, and saying thank you for a small or big gesture can make a meaningful difference to somebody’s day.
3. Write a letter to an elderly or vulnerable person in your local hospice. Loneliness is an increasing issue in our modern world, and the power of the written word to show someone you’re thinking of them can matter more than we may realise.
4. Offer to do some voluntary work. The Five Ways To Wellbeing research highlighted that one of the most common things that make human beings fundamentally happy is the act of giving. And giving your time, efforts and dedication to a cause you believe in can reap multiple benefits all round.
It may seem small to you, but it could make a huge difference to someone else and in turn, help lift your happiness and wellbeing.
One kind act can change someone’s life. Many such acts can create a movement.
Want to find out more? Read out 10 tips for practising kindness.
Join our next event
Be Kind Movement’s next campaign on Kindness starts on Thursday 18th June in collaboration with Calmer, showcasing the first digital screening of their award winning short film ITSY. Capturing mental health themes on loneliness and anxiety, as well as celebrating friendship, acceptance and tolerance, this film is a key component of their Kindness workshop for children and young people.
Followng the screening, Premila Puri will be interviewed by Calmer Founder and Director Tania Diggory. By joining us, you’ll be doing a small act of kindness, will feel inspiried by Itsy and help Be Kind Movement to fundraise for their Kindness in School Programme.