By acting kindly, we remain energized and free of tension, avoiding self-induced stress in both our mind and body. A smile uses less energy and fewer muscles than a frown!

Benefits of being kind:
1. Our mind stays tension-free;
2. Our body becomes relaxed, but energized;
3. With reduced stress, our mental and bodily health stays at its optimum as long as possible;
5. We infect others with the energy of kindness;
6. Our self-esteem improves, because being kind allows us to look more kindly at ourselves, too.

Meditation Practice

Preparation: Sit with a straight back, hands folded in lap and close eyes. Begin even and regular breathing. Example: breathe in one count; breathe out one count; breathe in one count; continue counting with your breathing for at least a minute.

Just continue even breathing but bring to mind an incident from the past when you acted with kindness. Smile to yourself as you remember your content feelings; perhaps you felt a relaxation in your body and a peace with life. Again enjoy those warm feelings.

Going on, think about ways you can be kind in your daily life; after all, isn't that warm contented feeling worth recapturing and experiencing each day!

Finish your meditation by thinking with appreciation of those close to you and for our world family. Open your eyes, stretch and go on with your day, kinder in mind.

Kind in mind, feelin’ fine;
Fine and fully alive.

Virtues
Compassion
Forgiveness
Kindness
Tolerance

Article - Susan Kramer; photo credit Stan Schaap - Chicago skyline and boats on Lake Michigan

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For offline reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.