While reading Stefan Einhorn's The Art of Being Kind, my thoughts dwell on how kindness benefits both the giver and the receiver, and is part of ethical intelligence. Einhorn says that one form of kindness is generosity with praise and encouragement. There's no reason to withhold praise, which is entirely free and helps to lift up and motivate others, yet it seems many suffer from a lack of encouragement."If you ask people whether they think they have been given too much praise and encouragement, hardly anyone would say they have. But there are a lot of people who think they have not received enough encouragement."
~The Art of Being Kind, Stefan Einhorn
Why be stingy with kind words and encouragement? It doesn't diminish the giver in any way. I think we all need to give and receive honest praise and encouragement in large doses. Also important is giving and receiving requested constructive criticism or feedback, in a thoughtful, loving manner. This very attention is part of kindness that stems from caring and love.
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