The Gift of Random Acts of Kindness
“A Random Act of Kindness is a non-premeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world”
Kindness can be spread in the simplest of ways. By sharing a warming smile with a passer-by, or by giving a compliment. Yet something so small and seemingly insignificant can turn someone's frown upside down and ultimately has the power to turn a bad day good. You never know what may be going on in someone's life, right? But what about other ACTS of kindness? The random sorts. For example, offering to walk a neighbour's dog, cooking them a meal, or paying it forward by paying for a stranger's coffee?
“Random Acts of Kindness” is a term believed to have been coined by the American writer Anne Herbert, after writing "practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a placemat in Sausalito, California; A play on words from the phrase "random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty". A phrase that subsequently transformed and gained momentum into a beautiful movement of individuals sharing acts of spontaneous kindness; And in a world that feels very heavy and full of despair, if there was ever a time to spread kindness now would be it.
BENEFITS
But what are the benefits of Random Acts Of Kindness? Research shows that there is a symbiotic relationship between the giver and the receiver. Performing a good deed has been known to increase the feelings of well-being, by increasing endorphins-the feel-good chemicals. Thus reducing feelings of stress, improving moods, and boosting self-esteem, meanwhile the receiver is more likely to repeat good deeds they’ve experienced themselves, fostering a positive community. Furthermore witnessing an act of kindness is also said to release oxytocin, and makes us feel like giving too. And as such, creating a ripple effect. There really are no losers here.
AFTERPAY AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK
As the official sustainability partner for Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022, our goal was to create a display that reflected the Fressko philosophy Be Kind to Mother Earth, To Others, And To Yourself. The result was a zero-waste carbon-neutral immersion of Fressko, nature, and stunning florals by all-round gorgeous human, Monique Warldly of The Bloom Movement who is living proof of the positive impacts that these good deeds can have on mental health. After all, it was a love of flowers and a single Random Act of Kindness that in essence, saved her life.
After Australian Afterpay Fashion Week, the floral installation was deconstructed, with all blooms given a 2nd life. Live orchids were bundled and hand delivered into the hands of front line workers AKA our nation's heroes at St Vincents, O’Brien Centre and The Childrens Hospital in NSW. and honestly, the whole thing gave all of us at Fressko HQ the warm and fuzzies. (cue that ripple effect).
The remaining everlasting blooms are still available to purchase now via The Bloom Movement with 50% of the proceeds being donated to Mental Health and Wellbeing charity It's Ok To Not Be OK. Each bunch comes with a box of 100% organic, Loose Leaf tea by Fressko or a reusable Fressko Insulated Flask so you can do your part AND feel great on the inside simultaneously. Win Win!
When was the last time you experienced a Random Act of Kindness? Did you experience the ripple effect?
