Wry and charming Sheila wrote a post about a concept dear to my heart: practicing kindness. Some call it karma. Others relate it to the Christian scripture about reaping what one sows. The folk adage, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar” is another way of putting it. Regardless of how it’s articulated, it’s really rather easy to be kind. We have more time and energy to extend ourselves than we realize, once we become aware of the value of kindness.

Last week, the electric company sent a bill which included that of someone else in our neighborhood. I put it in an envelope with a short note explaining the situation and mailed it. It took less than five minutes, and I felt good knowing that she would be spared the hassle of tracking it down or paying late fees. To my surprise and pleasure, I received a note thanking me for taking the time. The “thank you” was a bonus. My motivation wasn’t to get reciprocation; it just felt good to do this.

There is a trait that is essential to the expression of kindness: empathy. It is the ability to imagine what another person is thinking, feeling, or experiencing and acting compassionately in response.

We are motivated to do good because it feels good. There’s nothing wrong or selfish in feeling good. Healthy good feeling is essential to altruism.

There is even a website, Random Acts of Kindness, which provides ideas and activities for use in classrooms and small groups. Positive interaction lightens the spirit, improves relationships, and probably promotes good physical health. Be inspired!