Lately I’ve been more mindful of things I am grateful for in life - and you know what I have been especially thankful for lately?  KINDNESS.  For the past three weeks, I've been traveling to speak at different colleges across the country and I have been moved by the kindness of strangers. Unexpected kindness and pleasant interactions with other human beings made my jetlag, flight delays and travel with a sinus infection far less miserable! I think the more attention and gratitude I had around kindness attracted more of it to me - - or maybe it was because I was out of Los Angeles! Regardless, being both the giver and recipient of kindness has been uplifting.

These random acts of kindness I encountered, like getting a double upgrade on my car rental just because someone felt like being nice to a weary traveler, got me thinking about this under-utilized human ability.  Why is it that so many of us forget to be kind to ourselves and to others from time to time?  Think about it -isn't it a lot easier, not to mention better for our blood pressure, to be kind both inwardly and outwardly?

Unfortunately, kindness isn't a habit for everyone.  Modern day life often encourages a "head down, every man or woman for themselves" mentality.  But like with anything else, we can make kindness more of a habit if we are just more conscious about it.  And the benefits we yield from being kind are endless and extremely meaningful.

Here is how Buddha lists the benefits of kindness.  He says, "if you are kind,

1. You will sleep easily

2. You will wake easily

3. You will have pleasant dreams

4. People will love you

5. Devas (celestial beings) and animals will love you

6. You will be protected

7. External dangers will not harm you

8. Your face will be radiant

9. Your mind will be serene

10.You will die unconfused

11.You will be reborn in happy realms"

Now doesn't that sound like something to shoot for?  Kindness is nourishment for our mind, body and soul – so drink it in and dish it out!