Recent events have made it more evident than ever that we should be celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day–and not only on one day of the year, but every day! Kindness begins with just one person and you can jumpstart the effort on February 17th, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day was established by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK). Founded in 1995, RAK is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring everyone to practice and spread kindness. “Ultimately, we’re here for the kind-hearted do-gooders who are looking to spread kindness where they can,” is how the Foundation describes itself.

The goal of National Random Acts of Kindness Day is to highlight the importance of bringing more kindness into the world and our lives. You can get involved by becoming a kindness ambassador, also known RAKtivists (Random Acts of Kindness activist). If you need a little inspiration, read on for some random acts you can perform to help celebrate the RAK holiday and to promote kindness every day of the year.

And if you need some convincing about why practicing kindness is important, watch this video that explains the science behind being kind.

Ideas to Celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day

1. Make a pot of soup for a friend or loved one for no reason.

2. Find a Little Free Library and drop off some books.

3. Give the bounty of your garden away!

4. Send “Just Thinking About You” cards for no special reason–other than to let loved ones know that you care.

5. Pick up litter in your neighborhood or town.

6. Offer to buy the coffee of the person in line behind you.

7. Volunteer for an animal shelter.

8. Offer compliments to friends, loved ones, and even strangers.

9. Take in your neighbor’s refuse and recycling bins.

10. Try to smile more. A smile can help improve both your mood as well as a stranger’s.

11. Let someone get in front of you in line.

12. Make a point of holding the door for those behind you.

13. Buy school supplies and donate them to your local public school for those children who may need them.

14. Tip your server really well on your next meal out.

15. Offer to watch your friend’s pet the next time she goes away.

16. Leave inspirational bookmarks in random books at the library.

17. Post positive affirmations on post-it notes and leave them around in public places.

18. Purchase gift cards with small amounts on them and leave them at places like gas pumps with a note of explanation.

19. Volunteer at a local food bank.

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Okay, first things first. The planet doesn’t really need saving. It’s us…and the fellow earthlings our destructive habits impact, that need to be “saved.” But in all our efforts to do that, have we lost sight of just how important kindness is?

It’s hard not to be passionate. It’s part of being human. For some of us, that means fighting for democracy, the environment, animals, food sovereignty, or women’s issues. For others, that means fighting for profit, control, power. These desired outcomes are about as opposite as it can get. We find ourselves taking sides. Choosing to see others who don’t share our worldview as the enemy—wrong, misinformed, or worse, “unevolved.” But isn’t the truth that we’re all right? That those seemingly impossible and selfish worldviews are just as evolved as ours, even if they are the complete opposite?

Author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle notes that whatever we fight, we strengthen. What we resist, persists. But how can we not fight against injustice? What does sitting idly by do for the soul? What would I really say to someone like Donald Trump if we were trapped in an elevator together (you know, after I kicked the shit out of him)? We’re all lovers and fighters; it’s not an either/or situation.

The more we look for them, the easier it is to see the battles all around us waiting to be fought. The digital age has us constantly negotiating causes, calls to action, and tragedies that fuel us with contempt while we’re scrolling through Facebook just trying to kill time. And even though there’s only a “like” option, most of us “dislike” much of what we’re seeing.

It’s a world out of balance.

To one extreme, we can try to avoid conflict. We can barricade ourselves with manufactured bliss, and do our best to dodge adversity. But that’s not always rational or doable. Conflict exists. But we don’t have to charge toward it, either.

What if we could accomplish more by simply surrendering to what it is we’re drawn to and still “fighting” for those causes, but while also doing it with kindness? After all, isn’t it our less-than-kind behaviors that have led us into wars, despots, dishonesty, and greed that got us into this planetary mess in the first place? It feels like something needs to change in how we negotiate adversity.

Still, no matter what the issues, or how we got here, Tolle says, “Always say “yes” to the present moment. “What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is?” That doesn’t mean we can’t change (or even “save”) the world, but there’s something in recognizing that in the big picture, it kind of doesn’t really matter. Unless what’s on the other side of life is that big old Judgement Day in the sky.

And what’s more, we can achieve more peace through kindness. Being unkind turns any issue into more than just the issue. Someone hits your car, for example. That’s a problem you’ll need to deal with. But if you come at the other driver screaming and shaking fists, you now have yet another issue to deal with spurred by your lack of kindness. They’re likely to respond with defensiveness or withdraw. We know that accidents happen. Sometimes that’s because someone is being totally negligent and completely at fault. They surely need to be held accountable, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be kind in that process.

Eleanor Roosevelt noted that what other people think of you is really none of your business. We’re all going to think what we want, whether it’s accurate or not. But being kind isn’t about doing it for the other person. It may not even be perceived as intended anyway. Being kind is our gift to ourselves. It allows us the opportunity to avoid conflict. It’s a surrender that seems vital in this modern world where there’s so much work to be done.

As Tolle says, “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.”

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The post The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save Us? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Probably more than ever we all need to observe World Kindness Day.

In light of recent events, observing the international holiday of World Kindness Day celebrated on November 13 this year seems most appropriate. The first World Kindness Day was organized by a collection of humanitarian groups in 1997 by a “Declaration of Kindness.” It’s a global 24-hour celebration dedicated to paying-it-forward and focusing on the good in the world, which is a concept that we are all in need of more than ever this year.

On Kindness Day everyone is encouraged to make a declaration of kindness and devote themselves to completing acts of kindness. From donating food to the local food bank to opening the door for someone struggling with packages, there are many ways to celebrate the day. The goal of World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds and focus on the power of positivity in our lives and the world. Kindness can be shared amongst friends, neighbors, lovers, and even complete strangers. Kindness transcends religion, race, age, gender, nationality, and politics. The act of practicing compassion is needed now more than ever, and ideally, the intention to practice kindness will transfer to the others days of your life.

Practicing kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It can begin with a simple act that breeds another. Here’s some inspiration to get you started.

1. Smile. Research has shown that the simple act of smiling at strangers is good for you and the stranger. It’s a way to help someone feel connected, which is a necessity for good mental and emotional health.

2. Say a kind word. Sometimes all that’s needed to turn someone’s day around is a kind word. Whether you let your coworker know that you appreciated their help on that project or you tell your significant other how lovely they look, it just might help to make their day better.

3. Listen. We are all too quick to get in our two cents. Sit back and listen for a change. You might learn something new about someone and help them feel special and validated.

4. Give your time. Lest you think World Kindness Day is about donating money, think again. The most valuable gift you can give is your time, whether to a neighbor in need of some lawn work help or by donating your time to a local non-profit.

5. Remember your manners. Please and thank you matter and remembering to use them goes a long way. Thank you very much.

6. Pass on the gossip. We all are tempted to participate in gossip, but gossiping hurts all involved. Take a pass on the gossiping and instead, think of something kind to say.

7. Reach out. Often the closest people in our lives are the ones we take for granted the most. Call, text, email, or visit loved ones you haven’t reached out to in a while.

In closing, remember these choice words from the Dalai Lama:

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”

Related on EcoSalon

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In this edition of Link Love, we’ve got a look at the PETA ad too intense for Times Square, health challenges to take you to the next level, the humanity of Kim Kardashian’s rear, our own vegan face and the benefits of kindness.

The PETA ad you need to see. [via Ecouterre]

Are you ready to take your health to the next level? These challenges can help. [via Naturally Savvy]

Here’s everything you need to know about Kim Kardashian’s ass, courtesy of Mr. Brand. [via The Trews]

EcoSalon’s Senior Editor Jill Ettinger appears in Driftwood Magazine’s “Vegan Faces” profile. [via Driftwood Magazine]

It’s World Kindness Week. Can you be kinder? [via EatSleepBe]

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