From kindergarten classrooms to inspired blogs, kindness is a practice that is encouraged throughout society. Compassion—the bedrock of goodwill—is a spark that can easily be snuffed out on the wheel of survival. Spiritual practice is usually associated with attending a house of worship, getting on a yoga mat or keeping a gratitude journal, but one of the most beautiful faces of mindfulness reveals itself when we embody kindness. With the expression of compassion, we become joy in motion.

We do not need to break the bank or give our last drop of energy to consider others, only a willingness to nourish generosity of spirit. Whether we share that last piece of dark chocolate with our significant other or uphold a common courtesy, such as giving someone a well-deserved compliment, a heartfelt gesture can go a long way. One thoughtful word or deed can be a single pebble thrown into a stagnant pond. Kindness from pure intentions rather than superficial investment in “good karma” is a form of energy that begets more of the same. Perhaps the greatest advantage of goodwill is the reminder that the world is not such a harsh place after all. This aha moment, at the very least, can change someone’s day. At the most, it might save a life. Living in the heart means maintaining a higher frequency, which is needed now more than ever.

Here are a few ideas to drop a pebble in the pond:

In the Household

• Help someone with their chores: Put out the garbage, empty the dishwasher or set the dinner table.
• Run a hot bath or heat up a bowl of soup for a loved one after a long day.

In the Workplace

• Bring a coworker a cup of coffee or a hard-working boss a surprise dessert.
• Take the early shift for someone else.

In the Community

• Offer a free class or service.
• Pick up groceries for a neighboring senior.

Marlaina Donato is an author, multimedia expressionist and cultivator of women’s wild well-being. Connect at JaguarFlower.art.