The beauty in random acts of kindness

Mingyashin Shaiza *

What is the beauty of living in a society filled with educated, rich, capable or inspiring people when there is no one sparkling a light to a random stranger without expectations or ulterior motives ? What is luxury when you and all the people that surround you know no true happiness ? What is being selfless when you give just because you have unlimited resources ?

In my personal experience I found that people that live or come from rural areas practice more random act of kindness than those living or settled in urban areas or metropolitan cities. I often wonder what could be the reason. Is it because of the lifestyle ? In fact, the ones in richer and more developed places ought to practice this act effortlessly.

It's arguable but I feel people are more privileged, has more resources and it's so much easier for them if they really want to. Here's a funny thought, the random act of kindness done in advanced places are recorded and when shared in social media, is applauded by many. That act has become so rare that people clap and shake their heads in appreciation.

Think about this same act happening - 'Every Single Day', in a place where none of it is recorded or shared, still the acts go on. I have had my fair share of experiences. This happened to me in the same city but two different areas. One in a downtown and another in the outskirt, more like a village.

I met someone from the downtown, who had received good education and worked in a reputed company. He loves giving gifts and doing little things for others when he knows they need it and that's what he did for me too. The thing is it turned out to be a lure, instead of giving out of good intention. He did all that because he was capable of giving and maybe later to get something in return, we never know what ???

This is just one incident, I have some similar ones from similar people and places. On the contrary, recently, a lady in her scooty saw me carrying a bag and walking down a straight long road. The lady stopped and offered to take me where I was going. I was nearing my destination so I kindly declined it but I appreciated her gesture.

What I want to mean here is that one person is a well educated, working in a renowned place. He helped me but with expectations. The other person is just a stranger who has nothing to gain from me and we may or may never meet again but was ready to help anyways. The former experience left me with bitterness and hatred for humanity but the latter experience gave me a ray of hope and faith in humanity.

It is said, "If you're helping someone and expecting something in return, you're doing business not kindness". Practicing random acts of kindness cost you nothing. It could be landing a hand to seniors with their load when you are walking in the same direction, giving smile to a stranger, holding the doors open for people, complimenting a stranger, picking up litters, planting trees, donating your unused clothes, giving up your seat for someone in need, letting someone go in front of you in line, showing new kids around in your school, snap a photo of a couple, leaving a generous tip and many more.

"Random act of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" is a book by Anne Herbert and M Poloma Pavel. It contains an empowering message for world peace. Anne Herbert wrote "Practice random act of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" in a restaurant place mat.

"Random act of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" is simply and beautifully explained as selfless acts both large and small that is committed unexpectedly, without prompting and with no ulterior motive (www.goodtherapy. org). I love how, Word Reference Forums, beautifully explains "(Practice) senseless acts of beauty" as "create beauty without thinking".

CREATE BEAUTY WITHOUT THINKING is just the most beautiful things one can do for a strager and put a smile on their face. You never know but your small act of kindness may be just the thing, he or she needs to live on. This small act of kindness even though we call it small is hug, priceless and can be One of the biggest gifts you can give to a stranger. It A contagious among the kind people too, I'd say.

I have seen people practice act of kindness several times but here is one that holds spwial. One evening I was taking a stroll by the riverside. I saw an old lady walla, towards me with groceries in her hand. She was looking for something in her bag and the keys fell off her bag. Her hands were full and she was unable to pick it up. Suddenly a guy ran towards her and picked up the key for her.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" — Aesop

I will never forget the look on her face when she turned and said 'Thank you, son". It gave me a smile and Aso an inspiration to write this article. The little act of kindness did not cost him a thing but it helped the lady, inspired me to be kind to strangers and most importantly there was a smile in all our faces. This random act of kindness is indeed contagious.

Being kind to someone not only benefits the other but it benefits the patron. It reflects the heart and lifestyle of the person. It makes you feel good and encourages the others to practice the same.

It is like planting a seed as your act will encourage the recipient to do the same to others, It's amazing how a random act of kindness can benefit your health too. According to an article published by Todd M Ivan MD mentions there is a connection between giving and helping and the chemical releases in the brain that mimic a euphoric high.

This "helper high" shows how generosity can benefit your overall health as much as those who you help. According to research, giving to others combines the chemicals released in an euphoric high — endorphins, dopamine and endocannabinoid — and may help in
I. Relieving stress and reduces depression and anxiety
2. Maintain better physical health if you take part in volunteering, etc.
3. Gives aid to chronic illness as there is a connection between those suffering from chronic illness, like cancer or chronic pain and the relief they found as a 'counsel' to other suffering.
4. It increases serotonin in both giver and receiver which creates a wonderful loop of happiness.
(Serotonin regulates your mood in the brain, often called as "feel good" chemical)

Why is it that the more we have, the more knowledge we gain, the more developed the place is the less kind we become? If all the sweats and time we spend makes us a worse person, what is the use of it all?

Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give. Why don't we give it out a little each day?

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. — Mark Twain