The local Active Minds chapter at San Diego City College hosted Kindness is Contagious, an event to help educate students on self-reflection and goodwill, on Nov. 30.

Active Minds is a nationwide college organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma related to mental health.

Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, an expert on meditation and Eastern philosophy who grew up in Northeast Tibet, spoke to a small group of students and faculty.  

He travels extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe teaching, consulting, speaking and conducting spiritual ceremonies. Rinpoche emphasized the importance of self-care and reflection in order to embrace kindness for others. 

Rinpoche believed a person should look inside themselves and forget their ego, pride and selfishness before they can be kind to others for the right reasons.

“It’s not about money, it’s not about young or old, it’s just kindness,” Rinpoche said.

His philosophy said that if you are being kind for the wrong reasons then you’re not doing it the right way. For example, those who give money to homeless people with the intent of making themselves feel better are being selfish.

There was a small meditation exercise in which attendees got to relax and clear their minds as well as take a self-inventory of their feelings and goals.

The event also had food, drinks, giveaways and other small activities.