Daily Deposits into the Spirit of Humanity
In the blur of routine daily life, our worries, personal ambitions, and responsibilities tend to fill up what we think, feel, and do. It leads to our interactions with people, thought polite, feeling quite automatic, even interactions with family members and other loved ones.
Interactions. Lots of daily interactions with people. With human beings. We have them every day. They will be there tomorrow, next week, next month, year, decade. They are a big part of our daily lives. From loved ones, children, friends, parents, neighbors, strangers, co-workers, bosses……all day and night, we are interacting with other people. Yet, we tend to take these interactions for granted. We mostly take the easy road. We allow subconscious habit to take over. Though we may be polite, the interactions are mostly automatic, dry, and forgettable.
I’d like to propose something here. Instead of boring interactions driven by auto pilot, can we instead use these interactions as an opportunity to uplift each other? Seriously, take the time to think about how you can make someone happier by a little interaction? So we are going to talk about this simple art of uplifting others, uplifting humanity, every day. Integrating small acts of kindness, encouragement, and support into our everyday routines has the potential to transform not just the lives of those around us but also our own sense of happiness and fulfillment. This concept, which I like to call "daily deposits into the spirit of humanity," involves consciously making an effort to contribute positively to someone else's day. The beauty of these deposits lies in their simplicity and the profound impact they can have on both the giver and the receiver. Light someone up. Light up your spouse. Light up your brother. Light up your child. Light up a friend. Light up yourself.
Why Uplifting Others Enhances Our Own Joy
Engaging in acts of kindness and support towards others activates a part of our brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a feel-good sensation often referred to as the "helper's high." The brain signals the body to produce chemicals that make us happy. This positive emotional and physiological response can lead to reduced stress, improved mental health, and a deeper sense of connection and purpose in the various roles we play. We are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, leaders, producers, workers, lovers. We are human beings, we share in this lovely unity we call humanity. By making daily deposits of kindness, we not only brighten someone else's day but also nurture our own inner joy and fulfillment. I cannot think of much else we can do with our days that is more important.
10 Ways to Make Daily Deposits into the Spirit of Humanity in Everyday Life
Compliment Someone Genuinely: Whether it's a family member, a colleague's work ethic, or a stranger's outfit, a sincere compliment can boost someone's self-esteem and brighten their day. Think about, and seek out such opportunities everyday. Think about how you want to say it. Then grab their attention and say it, with sincerity.
Express Gratitude: Take a moment to thank someone for their help or presence in your life. This could be a family member, a friend, or even a helpful customer service representative. And don’t give the automatic run of the mill “thanks”. Touch them on the shoulder, look them in the eye, and say thank you. Tell them you appreciate them, and tell them why. Sincerity is key. Don’t just bring words, bring feelings into your daily deposits.
Listen Actively: In conversations, give your full attention. Listening actively shows that you value what the other person has to say, fostering a sense of respect and appreciation. Seek to understand, before seeking to be understood. Tell them you appreciate their views.
Offer Your Help Without Being Asked: If you see someone struggling with their groceries or a heavy workload, offer your assistance. Offer your advice. Anticipating others' needs is a powerful way to show care. The workplace provides endless opportunities for this. Adopt a mindset of service. Serve. Serve the needs of the people you love. Serve your friends. Serve your co-workers. Serve the needs of humanity.
Write a Thoughtful Note: A simple note, a simple email or text message, expressing love, gratitude, or encouragement can make a significant difference, especially when someone is feeling down or stressed. Tell them how glad you are to know them. Tell them how grateful you are for them. Tell them how proud you are. Tell them how much you believe in them.
Smile: Sometimes, a smile can be the most straightforward yet powerful deposit. It's a universal sign of warmth and friendliness that can make someone feel seen, liked, and appreciated. It is the ultimate disarmer. It’s disarms you and disarms others. It’s a great place to start your day, and should be carried throughout the day. Before you walk into a room of the people, become a vibrant soul that will light up those in the room.
Share Knowledge or Resources: If you have advice, books, or contacts that could benefit someone, share them. Helping others grow and solve problems is incredibly rewarding. This goes hand it hand with #4 above. Anticipate the needs of others. Take the time to think about what can be useful to them. Take time to put that information together and share it with them. They will appreciate it, and they will remember you.
Practice Patience: Patience is a quiet but powerful form of kindness. In situations where frustration might be the easy response, showing patience can be a soothing balm for others. In fact, dealing with a person who is experiencing a difficult situation should ring bells in your mind that this is one of the most important deposits you can make today into the spirit of humanity. This person is someone who can really use your help. But first, be patient. Listen. Understand. And then unload a deposit that this person will never forget.
Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Pay for someone's coffee, leave a generous tip, or donate to a cause someone cares about. Random acts of kindness can ripple out, inspiring others to pay it forward. Also, this “pay it forward” concept really applies to all of this depositing stuff. It changes people. It changes them because these acts are FELT DEEPLY, and its that feeling that leads people to pay it forward.
Encourage Someone's Dreams: Take the time to encourage someone to pursue their passions or goals. Your belief in them can be the catalyst they need to take the next step. Tell them it is possible. Remind them tomorrow, next week. Share some of your expertise that can help them achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Incorporating these daily deposits into your routine doesn't just make the world brighter for others; it enriches your own life with a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and joy. The act of uplifting others acts as a mirror. Karma, reflecting back the goodness we all have within us, reminding us of the collective humanity we share. So, as you go about your day, remember that every kind word, every small act of assistance, and every moment of genuine connection is a deposit in the bank of the collective wellbeing of humanity. And the returns? They're immeasurably impactful.