Let's Talk About Kindness

We too often underestimate the power of small acts of kindness: giving yourself time to have a bubble bath, calling a friend out the blue to tell them we love them or having a good old chinwag with the supermarket assistant. These small acts can have a ripple effect and really turn someone’s day around.

At the core of self-love is practicing kindness and compassion to yourself. If you have attended my classes before, you know I mention yoga practice giving us the chance to 'empty our cup so it can be filled up again'.

I saw the following points posted online recently and it really fits with practicing kindness to ourselves and others. As governments are trying to figure out how to ease back into a new normal after lockdown, please remember:

• Some people don't agree with the suggested reopening... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some people are still planning to stay at home.... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may possibly save their business or their homes... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some will wear masks for weeks... that's okay. Be kind.
• Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done... that's okay. Be kind.
• The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings, and that's okay. Be kind.

We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind. If you need to go out, just respect others when in public and be kind! Don't judge fellow humans because you're not in their story.

We all are in different financial and mental states than we were months ago. So, remember, be kind.

Author: Georgie Edwards, The Knotted Yogi, is a London-based yoga teacher who trained in the northern mountains of India. www.theknottedyogi.com

Kindness is the theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May 2020).

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