The best way to understand mindful kindness, is to first look at mindfulness and kindness separately.

Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. The practice of mindfulness often arouses feelings of calmness and peace.

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. There are also seven kindness practices, each of which benefits both the giver and receiver. Four of these practices are internal feelings: forgiveness, gratitude, empathy, compassion. Three of the kindness practices are external action: altruism, generosity, and cooperation.

In mindful kindness, the mindfulness allows us to pay attention to what is going on around us so we can be aware in a non-judgmental state, not caught up in anger or regret over the past and not caught up with worriers about the future. This state of mindfulness allows us to act with kindness and to refrain from unkindness. Acting with kindness consistently over time leads to more happiness, better health, stronger, long lasting relationships and greater longevity.