Sparks of Kindness: Wanna Spark someone?

January 19, 2015

By: Wayne Baker

Originally posted on OurValues.org

Want to make the world a better place? Want to be a better person? Not sure what to do? Here’s a possibility: Join Sparks of Kindness.

What are Sparks of Kindness?

A Spark is a deliberate act of generosity that makes life better for someone else. Sparks of Kindness is a social movement. And Sparks of Kindness is a Facebook group where thousands of members inspire and encourage one another by describing Sparks, sharing ideas, and expressing their heartfelt needs and gratitude.

Sparks of Kindness was founded by Debbie Lowre McFarland. “I started Sparks of Kindness because I wanted to make a change,” she told me. “I felt like there are so many people who want to make the world a kinder, better place for us and for our children, but they just didn’t know where to start. I thought it could start with a simple Spark.”

Sparks of Kindness is an antidote to the craziness of the world, she said. It’s a way to move beyond a feeling of helplessness and do something. Kindness is the number one character strength in America, as I discuss in United America. Sparks of Kindness is a way to put this value into action.

When you Spark, Debbie says, a transformation occurs: “What it ends up with is a different way of looking at things. People spend their day searching for ways to Spark someone, to make someone else smile. No longer worrying about their own problems, they can see the good in others and want to brighten their day. No rewards or thanks are necessary, just knowing that we are helping make a difference in someone’s like for a moment or lifetime.”

Want to get started? Here are a few ideas from the group …

  • Leave dog biscuits at the dog park.
  • Learn quarters on the snack machine or at the laundromat.
  • Drop off treats to the fire station or police station.
  • Take magazines to a hospital waiting room.
  • Pack lunches for homeless people.

Is Sparks of Kindness appealing to you?
How could you start a Spark?

Care to learn more?

The following YouTube video is 10 minutes long, although you’ll get the inspirational idea after just a couple of minutes. Throughout the video, dozens of the group’s ideas for sending out Sparks are shown in snapshots and captions.