The power of kindness

By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School

Has anybody seen small, cute, masked young people sneaking in and around our Junior School? If you have, there’s every chance you’ve encountered the Kindness Ninjas!

While I’ve been sworn to secrecy, it seems there is growing evidence to suggest that there may be young people quietly spreading random acts of kindness throughout the College this term.

Rumour has it that these stealthy kindness champions are on a mission to make a difference. Under the watchful coaching of our well-being teacher, Mrs Mackenzie Perfect, these inspiring individuals are strengthening our community's culture through care and kindness, one small gesture at a time.

Research shows that kindness has a profound effect on both our minds and bodies. The list of benefits is impressive. It increases the “love hormone” oxytocin, boosts energy, cultivates happiness, extends lifespan, enhances pleasure, and boosts serotonin levels, while reducing pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and even blood pressure.

Remarkably, kindness is teachable. Much like a muscle, our compassion can grow stronger with improved understanding, awareness and the practice of kindness.

Kindness is also contagious. When we witness an act of kindness, it has been established that our brains release feel-good chemicals that lift our mood and encourage us to “pay it forward.” This potential ripple effect suggests that one small kind deed can create a powerful domino effect that can brighten the days of many others.

The Kindness Ninjas at Radford have been spreading positivity through anonymous notes of kindness and gratitude left in workspaces. They perform thoughtful acts like tidying up shared areas, offering help, and ensuring everyone has a friend to play with.

Radford College's values are embedded in RESPECT – see again, listen deeply and ACT with kindness.

World Kindness Day reminds us that even the simplest acts can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s sharing a smile, offering a helping hand, or leaving a kind note, every small effort adds up to create a warmer, more compassionate world.

So, here’s a challenge for you: knowing how kindness impacts us physically and emotionally, how can you add more kindness to your everyday life?

Let’s make kindness the norm, together.

And as for the Kindness Ninjas? Well, they strike again for World Kindness Day 2024!

References:

https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-videos/18-the-science-of-kindness

#worldkindnessday and #makekindnessthenorm