In a world that often feels fast, busy and overstimulated, kindness has a way of bringing us home to ourselves.
Not the big, dramatic gestures - but the small, sincere acts that soften our edges and settle our nervous system.
At Infinite Harmony, kindness sits at the heart of everything we do: how we breathe, how we move, how we show up for ourselves and one another. Today, on World Kindness Day, I wanted to share why kindness is more than a moral value - it’s a wellbeing practice rooted in yogic philosophy and modern science.
The Science of Happiness: Why Kindness Works
Acts of kindness, whether giving, receiving or even witnessing, spark measurable physiological changes that support our wellbeing.
Kindness increases:
🌟 Oxytocin
The “bonding” hormone that promotes connection, trust, warmth and heart health.
🌟 Serotonin
The “stability” chemical that improves mood and emotional steadiness.
🌟 Dopamine
Linked with motivation, reward and the uplifting “helper’s high”.
🌟 Endorphins
Natural pain relievers, bringing comfort and ease.
This is why kindness feels so soothing, your body is responding with a cascade of chemicals designed to promote connection, calm and wellbeing.
Giving & Receiving Kindness Benefits Everyone
Kindness creates a bi-directional* wellbeing effect:
⭐ When you give kindness
Your stress reduces, your mood improves, and your nervous system shifts into safety and regulation. This is the “helper’s high” - a real, research-backed experience.
⭐ When you receive kindness
You feel seen, supported and safe. Your breath deepens, your muscles soften, and you settle into a more regulated state.
⭐ When you witness kindness
Even observing a compassionate act boosts oxytocin and lifts your mood.
It’s a virtuous cycle: kindness benefits the giver, the receiver, and everyone around them.
This is exactly why World Kindness Day exists - to remind us that small acts have profound impact.
Kindness & the Ventral Vagus: The Physiology of Feeling Safe
The ventral vagus is the part of the vagus nerve that supports connection, calm and social engagement which is your body’s "safe & social state".
It becomes active when you:
- feel cared for
- offer compassion
- experience warm connection
- practise gentle breathwork
- take part in mindful movement
- engage in community
Kindness literally signals to your nervous system: "You’re safe. You can soften.”
This is the same physiological state we cultivate in yoga therapy, hatha yoga, somatic movement and breathwork.
Kindness and yoga work along the same pathways and both anchor us in safety, connection and balance.
Kindness in the Yoga Sūtras
Far from being a modern idea, the roots of kindness run deep in yogic philosophy.
🌸 Ahimsa - The Heart of Yogic Ethics
The very first Yama, ahimsa (non-harming), is the foundation of all yoga. It’s more than “not hurting”; it’s actively choosing compassion, gentleness and benevolence. Therefore, practising kindness is practising yoga.
🌼 Maitri - Friendliness as a Path to Peace
In Sūtra 1.33, Patañjali teaches that cultivating maitri (friendliness and goodwill) brings calmness, clarity and peace of mind.
Ancient wisdom and modern science align: Kindness regulates the mind and nervous system.
🌿Svadhyaya - Self-Kindness Through Self-Study
True self-study is compassionate. We cannot understand ourselves deeply while speaking harshly to ourselves. Kindness is the soil self-awareness grows in.
🌙 Satya - Truth Delivered Kindly
Truth in yoga (satya) is never blunt for the sake of it, it is truth delivered with discernment and compassion.
🌟 Yoga Means Connection
The root yuj means “to join” or “to unite”. Kindness is one of the most direct routes to connection both physiologically and spiritually.
In this way, kindness is yoga in action, it is the lived expression of the practice.
Kindness Begins With You
It’s easy to give kindness outward while criticising ourselves inward. But self-kindness is foundational. Today, try a small ritual:
- Place one hand on your heart
- Take three slower breaths
- Whisper gently: *“I am doing my best. I am allowed to rest.”*
- Drop your shoulders
- Soften your jaw
These simple acts of tenderness change the whole tone of the day.
Everyday Acts of Kindness
Kindness doesn’t need to be grand.
It can be:
- offering someone your full attention
- leaving a note of appreciation
- holding a door
- sending a supportive message
- making someone a cup of tea
- smiling warmly
- checking in quietly with someone who may need it
Every act creates a ripple.
Kindness in Community
Every class, workshop or therapeutic session at Infinite Harmony is grounded in connection, compassion and care. The way we breathe together, move together and hold space for one another is a practice of kindness.
Whether you join Yoga classes, Yoga Therapy, a seasonal workshop or a 1:1 wellbeing session, you will always be welcomed warmly, exactly as you are.
A Simple Kindness Practice
1. Sit comfortably
2. Inhale gently for 4
3. Exhale slowly for 6
4. Bring someone to mind
5. Silently offer:
"May you be well. May you feel supported. May you be held in kindness.”
Then direct those same words to yourself.
A Final Reflection
Kindness is not about perfection, people-pleasing or giving more than you can. It’s about intention, attention, presence and compassion for yourself and others.
On World Kindness Day, whether your act is tiny or tender, know that it matters, more than you realise.
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