Sometimes we go through grief and loss in life so we can become more compassionate individuals. Often we go through such experiences, forgetting the possible main purpose of the loss in the first place – empathy. The main reason for a difficulty or loss can be to help others that are in pain.
According to research conducted by the University of California San Diego and Harvard University, kindness can actually spread from person to person, almost till three degrees of separation! So compassion is surprisingly contagious. It has a ripple effect on many people that aren't even around us. Here are some quick ways in which you can be more compassionate.
1. Be a giver-
Unexpected gifts are the ultimate delight! They are the perfect dopamine triggers. Research shows that those who give gifts are significantly happier than those who receive them. So giving makes us more altruistic as well as happier.
This does not have to be anything big. For example, I like to keep some wrapped sweets with me whenever I go. It’s always received with a surprise and smile of delight! If you are getting something for yourself at the store, you can get something else for your family or friends too.
2. Offer geniunie compliements-
I once complimented my grandmother by telling her she looked beautiful in her purple dress she was wearing. She was taken back and delighted! Her reaction showed that she was not used to being praised, or appreciated for that matter. Offering someone kind words doesn't require any effort, and it might just make someone's day!
“Next to physical survival, the greatest need of a human being is psychological survival—to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validated, to be appreciated. —Stephen Covey”
Imagine everyone you met had a sentence written in their head, 'please make me feel important.' Culturally, some places are generally less expressive and tend to withhold their positive views regarding others. Take some time to notice that subtle good in others. Be considerate enough to mention it to them as well!
3. Thank someone-
‘Dead people receive more flowers than living ones because the regret is stronger than gratitude. - Anne Frank'. This quote hits deep. All too often don't show gratitude to the people around us. It's an innate human need to feel appreciated, and acknowledging someone's presence in your life can mean the world to them.
3. Say hello to a stranger-
I remember a girl at school, who I only happened to talk to once. However, whenever we exchanged paths, she would always greet me with an uplifting ‘hi!’ And doing so felt great! It might not be the social norm to greet a stranger across many cultures, but doing so is touching.
4. Treat your friends or colleagues a lunch
An unexpected lunch for colleagues or family can be a huge pleasure booster!
5. Be forgiving-
We may not be in control of everything that happens to us, but we do have the choice of either holding on to past hurts or letting go. It's powerful when we realize that we possess the control of letting go. I like to practice an affirmation every now, which goes something like this; 'I am forgiving of both myself and others.' Never underestimate the power of your thoughts! The words you say to yourself have a profound impact on the way you perceive reality. Holding on to unpleasant memories can make you more bitter. Letting go can make you a more compassionate person.
References
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-be-a-nicer-person/
https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/15-ways-to-become-a-better-person.html
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