School is just over a month in and you may see friendships and cliques beginning to form. Some kids have settled in, others have not. One kindness in the classroom idea I suggest you try is what I like to call String Theory. This activity is easy to follow and implement with your students. The main idea of the String Theory …
Kindness In the Classroom: Smart Board Idea
Most classrooms these days have a Smart Board. On a day when you want to honor a child — for good behavior, on their birthday, or perhaps when they are the Star of the Week — this is an easy way to make a lasting and kind impression on that child. Sit the child on a table or chair in …
7-Week Kindness Challenge
As a Senior Instructor at my martial arts school (and a candidate for the upcoming Black Belt test), I’ve wanted to do something different leading up to the test… something our students have never done before. Fortunately, that’s about the time I saw this post from my friend (and fellow Ultimate Black Belt Test alum) Sensei Mike Oliver, owner and …
Kindness Combats Compassion Fatigue
Has compassion fatigue touched your life? It’s more common than you think… Most people who choose a career in one of the helping professions—like nursing, medicine, psychology, psychiatry, or social work—are hardwired for helping others. Professional helpers never thinks they will tire of doing good, which makes it all the more difficult for them to cope when compassion fatigue sets …
Should You Tip the Goodwill Guy?
Should You Tip the Goodwill Guy? Short answer: no. But there are several other options to show your appreciation. Every time I drive up to the local Goodwill outlet with a carload of old baby clothes and still-operational kitchen supplies, the employees practically sprint to the car. Within less than two minutes, the car is empty and I’m on my …
Top 10 Songs to Soothe the Unkind Soul
Nobody’s perfect. We all have days we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. For no apparent reason, we feel angry, grumpy or downright mean. Just like kindness, negativity is contagious. Instead of spreading our bad mojo, taking the time to listen a simple song can turn our mood around. Everyone has their own tastes in music. But …
Who can I help? Three Questions to Ask
Spontaneous random kindness can’t be planned. It is philosophy in action. What if you want to begin a longer term project to practice kindness- a plan that can influence your social circles and perhaps inspire kindness in others? Ask yourself these three questions. Keep it simple, but don’t discard an idea that seems far fetched. 1. What can I do? You have …
Kindness On A Mountain Bike
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” William Arthur Ward This past weekend I rode a 10 mile mountain bike trail at Harbison State Forest. With high temperatures and lots of humidity, the heat index was over 100 degrees. Harbison State Forest is a popular attraction to hikers and bikers alike, as it located less than 20 miles from …
Think Kindness Challenge of The Month: Write a Letter
It was a typical crazy morning at home getting the kids ready for school, lunches assembled, breakfasts done, kids dressed, and the spare 8 minutes to get myself ready for work. I was a bit nervous because I had two potentially confrontational meetings scheduled at work that day and wasn’t looking forward to them. In preparation for the day ahead, …
Daily Acts Of Kindness
Daily Acts of Kindness The Lessons Learned Several years ago, I participated in a year long program for master instructors called The Ultimate Black Belt Test. This program was developed by one of my friends, Tom Callos, a practicing martial artist, activist and teacher, with over 40 years of experience. As part of my test, I had to complete 50,000 push ups, …