From Festival Vibes to Everyday Life

I love going to festivals.

Not only because I enjoy music and dancing, but mostly because of the atmosphere - this almost utopian, alternative reality that seems to exist there. People are friendlier, more open, smiling, kind. Open to connect, open to accept, and that openness touches me deeply.

It brings out the most beautiful side of human nature: our need for connection and care.

The shared energy of so many people coming together to dance, to listen to music, and to celebrate life is something I carry with me long after the event is over. And especially nowadays, when the world feels so full of judgment, criticism, and division, these experiences give me hope. Hope that a better future for humankind is possible. They remind me that compassion and kindness still exist, even if they’re often hidden under the stress and noise of daily life.

This time, I reflected on it more deeply. What if I could be the change I long to see? What if I brought some of those behaviors I admire at festivals into my everyday life? At the festival, a woman walked up to me and said, “You look amazing.” That’s it. No hidden agenda, no expectation - just a compliment. And it felt so good.

Think about it: how often do we have a kind thought about someone but keep it to ourselves? “I like your hairstyle”, “You look so happy walking your dog” ,“I enjoyed sharing this practice with you.” Simple, genuine compliments that we don’t always say out loud. So I decided to be more generous with mine. I gave myself a challenge: offer one compliment a day to a stranger.

The reactions have been priceless. Surprised smiles, sudden warmth, sometimes even laughter. And as it so often happens with giving, I find I enjoy it as much, or even more than the person receiving it. Compliments are free, and yet they have the power to spark joy, spread kindness, and even shift someone’s day. And yes, I know for some people it might feel uncomfortable to approach a stranger. But stepping outside your comfort zone in this way is worth it. Because when you give kindness to others, you’re also giving it to yourself - boosting your own happiness and well-being.

And the science agrees. Research shows that kindness has many benefits:

• It’s contagious -  When you’re kind to someone, they’re more likely to pass it on.

• It spreads happiness - Both the giver and receiver benefit emotionally.

• It strengthens relationships -  And strong connections are the #1 predictor of happiness.

• It boosts success -  Both for individuals and organizations, kindness creates environments where people thrive.

And beyond the emotional benefits, kindness impacts our health as well. In his TED Talk, Mark Kelly a motivational speaker, explains that acts of kindness release oxytocin, a hormone that lowers blood pressure and stress, improves circulation, and increases vitality, which contribute to longevity. Kindness boosts self-esteem, improves mood, and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, contributing to overall well-being and resilience.

So if you want a happier world, begin with kindness. It’s contagious, it strengthens relationships, it slows aging, and it’s good for your heart. As Anne Frank said: “You can always, always give something, even if it is just kindness.”