(See how many you can “find” in yourself to do!)

 

Serve others:

•  Hold doors open for people.

•  Offer to get food for people from the buffet.

•  Offer to take away people’s trash at meal tables.

•  Wear a mask when you’re in shared indoor spaces.

 

Notice People:

•  Compliment people on what they are wearing, or their tattoos, piercings or hairstyle.

•  Ask people if there is a story behind their name.

•  Ask someone how they are and listen DEEPLY to their response. Pay attention to clues of a deeper answer. Inquire further if it feels right.

•  Check in with someone who seems like they might be struggling.

 

Appreciate People:

•  Tell someone if you really appreciated a comment or question that they said.

•  Tell someone who you’ve known for a long time, or are seeing after a long time apart, how and why you appreciate them.

 

Practice Restraint:

•  Let others go ahead of you in line.

•  Give up your seat.

•  Leave the last cookie.

•  Practice “pausing” in conversation, to really listen, not going into your own stories.

•  Practice silence in session (if you usually talk).

 

Step Outside Our Bubbles:

•  Thank hotel staff. Tell them something that shows you notice their work.

 

Be Your Authentic Self:

•  Include on your name tag: 1) a meaningful name for yourself; 2) what kindness means to you; 3) something you’d like to be asked or talk about.   

•  Answer “how are you?” truthfully.

•  Speak up in session (if you usually don’t).

•  Sing out loud (where appropriate😊).

 

Attune With Others:

•  In sessions, experiment with listening beyond the words. Close your eyes. Absorb the tone, the cadence, the pauses.

•  Smile at people, say things to people you don’t know like “hi friend!”

•  Talk to someone who annoys you (and ask yourself why).

 

Or create your own Acts of Kindness!

Courtesy of NCDD and Acts of Kindness Maine, AOKMaine.org