Practice kindfulness

If mindfulness was the new buzzword last year, this year it is kindfulness. Training is mindfulness, it meant paying attention to everything you did —eating, walking, sleeping and working. It was being totally conscious and present in every moment. Kindfulness is infusing every thought, word and deed with kindness. Thinking kindly makes every action profound. This works way back into your motives, gut level and intentions. Compassion towards all living things is what the Dalai Lama calls the education of the heart. Or what the Pope refers to as a revolution of tenderness.

Being kind improves well-being and health. The happiness chemical serotonin is released in the body when we are kind and helpful to others. This helps us connect with others at the soul level, increasing well being for all parties. No wonder Warren Buffet, Azim Premji and the Tatas give so generously to those who can give nothing in return. Oxytocin is another chemical that is released when we reach out and touch others in a hand clasp, a hug or a loving gesture.

Kindfulness is a term coined by the Buddhist monk Ajahu Brahm. Research has proved that compassion enhances the immune response, reduces blood pressure and pulse rate. J.C. Bose proved in experiments that even plants respond to loving kindness. And a green thumb signifies a loving heart and a gentle touch.

There are those who set out water and grains for birds and stray animals. Just watching them from afar causes joy and tenderness. Practicing kindfulness is the secret to world peace. For world peace starts in your home, on your street and in your community.

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras