Intentional Kindness; Focusing on Being Somebody's Super Hero

"In any given moment, the kindness you offer to yourself or to others affects what happens in the very next moment. Like mindfulness itself, kindness is a natural human quality that requires intentional action to realize it's potential." - Mindful Staff, 2011 
​Kindness takes courage. Whether you are inadvertently being kind to yourself or to another soul, kindness takes practice to conquer. We do not know what anybody has going on in their own lives at any given time. We are not in any state to judge another's actions based on what we see as opposed to what we know to be real. What we can do though, is focus our intentions on being good to people and hopefully enticing others to do the same. 

Lately, I've been questioning myself and testing my heart, mind and spirit. I am very far from perfect, but I understand that it takes a dedicated and strong individual to do missionary work. In some senses, I have grown on this journey to missionary, and in others, I still feel that I am lacking. However, I am trying to learn all that I need to know to make my mission and God's plan, a success. 

We noticed that "bullying," at my school, was beginning to get out of control, so we started focusing on Intentional Kindness. At school, that meant teaching the kids to mindfully be good to their counterparts. This consists of practices like "Use manners, Keep hands to self, and Follow the Golden Rule." In retrospect, it is so much more than just being polite to other kids or respectful to teachers. For me, Intentional Kindness is about modifying my perspective. I believe that to be kind, there must first be a reason  to want to be.

Listen, don't yell at me. Hear me out! We must want to be kind for different reasons. For me, being kind brings me closer to God. I pray every day that God will make my heart more like His and I pray that He will be able to use me. For others, maybe it isn't a spiritual thing, but a personal thing. Some people are kind simply because it makes them feel better about themselves. Some people are kind out of spite. Regardless of your WHY, it pays to be good to people. As you become mindful and intentional about being a better person, it becomes more natural and soon, kindness will become habit. Imagine the lives you can save by being good to others. Imagine your new self image and the new found sense of self love. Giving respect ultimately demands respect and people tend to understand that. It is hard to be angry with someone who radiates peaceful energy. Be that person and watch how your life changes... and even better, watch how your mindset will change the lives of others. Be a super hero in a world of people needing to be saved!

How to Be Kind, Intentionally:

• We are all one people! (Eliminate stereotypes and prejudice)
• We are not God! (Do not assume that we know somebody's character or situation)
• Put yourself in their shoes! (Try to understand the circumstances regarding a situation)
• Do one thing every day that makes you happy! (If you are in a good mood, it is easier to exude positive vibes)
• Remember to Smile! (A picture says a thousand words)

Just an every day Super hero trying to save the world,
​Alyssa Renee