my act of generosity essay

What Is Generosity? (And How to Be a More Generous Person)

Simple ways to be more generous to others..

Posted February 4, 2019 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

Generosity is the act of being kind, selfless, and giving to others. Despite being an act that is done to benefit others' well-being, generosity also paradoxically increases our well-being. So being generous is a fantastic way to improve your mental health and well-being. Not sure how to do it? Read on to discover how to be a more generous person.

Why generosity is good for you

Generosity is a good thing for our mental health and well-being because when we give to someone we care about, we make it more likely for them to give to us, making us more likely to give to them, and so on. As a result, regions of our brain associated with pleasure, social connection , and trust light up, making us feel all warm and gooey inside.

Why generosity is exponential

When it comes to improving our happiness and well-being (not sure how well you are? Take this well-being quiz ), generosity is a good choice because it has a ripple effect. If someone else sees us do something kind or generous, it actually makes them more likely to be generous too. Even saying a simple, “Thank you,” can inspire both of you, and those watching, to be more generous. This is how generosity creates a ripple effect, helping us feel happier and less lonely .

So what stops us? Why aren’t we all just generous all the time?

What are the precursors to becoming a more generous person?

It turns out that building positive thinking skills is an important precursor to getting the most we can out of generosity. Why? Because positive emotions—like gratitude , joy, or awe —make us more likely to give. The happier we feel when we give, the more likely we are to give to others again in the future. And the more grateful we are, in general, the more we enjoy the experience of witnessing other people benefiting from our gifts. So if we're having a hard time being more generous, we can benefit from developing our positive thinking skills.

What stops us from being generous people?

Lucky for us, it’s our default to be generous. But, we can accidentally override our natural inclinations to give it by over-relying on the “thinking” parts of our brains. Instead of following our natural impulse to be kind , we may come up with reasons for why shouldn’t give—maybe we want to buy something for ourselves or we are afraid of not having enough. But if our goal is happiness (either for ourselves of others), that’s a big mistake. We feel happier giving to others than spending money on ourselves. So try to overcome fear of not having enough, which can stop you from being a more generous person.

How do we become a more generous person?

Once we are open to trying to become more generous (either to increase our own happiness or the happiness of others) how might we do it? We could give gifts on holidays, to acknowledge accomplishments, or just because we felt like it (that’s my favorite time to give a gift). We can also practice random acts of kindness—for example, by leaving a kind note for a co-worker, emailing a family member to tell them you're grateful for something they did, or buying lunch for a friend.

How to make generosity more impactful

To make giving even more rewarding, focus on giving in ways that make a positive impact in someone else’s life (not just your life). The more we believe that what we give will be valuable or useful to others, the better it feels. And the more we know about how the receiver will use the gift, the more we enjoy giving. We really do want to know not only that we are making a difference, but how we are making a difference. So give thoughtfully and intentionally. It just feels better—both to us and to the gift recipient.

Learn more about how to build your well-being here .

Aknin, Lara B, Elizabeth W Dunn, and Michael I Norton. 2012. "Happiness runs in a circular motion: Evidence for a positive feedback loop between prosocial spending and happiness." Journal of Happiness Studies 13 (2):347-355.

Nelson, S Katherine, Matthew D Della Porta, Katherine Jacobs Bao, HyunJung Crystal Lee, Incheol Choi, and Sonja Lyubomirsky. 2015. "‘It’s up to you’: Experimentally manipulated autonomy support for prosocial behavior improves well-being in two cultures over six weeks." The Journal of Positive Psychology 10 (5):463-476.

Nook, Erik C, Desmond C Ong, Sylvia A Morelli, Jason P Mitchell, and Jamil Zaki. 2016. "Prosocial conformity: Prosocial norms generalize across behavior and empathy." Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 42 (8):1045-1062.

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. , is a consultant, writer, and expert on well-being technology.

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The Real Power of Generosity

Sharon Salzberg

April 19, 2015

When we think about generosity, most of us probably don’t think immediately of a powerful force, an inner resource, a real tool for changing how we relate to ourselves , to others and to our world.

Instead, we may think of it similarly to how we think of kindness or compassion — qualities that are gentle, tender, potentially self-effacing — and, as a big misconception, more aligned with weakness than strength. Largely this is because, culturally, we think of generosity purely in terms of the act of giving something up for someone else. This dynamic, by definition, implies at least some degree of self-sacrifice.

Generosity is more than just “giving up.” Generosity generates its power from the gesture of letting go. Being able to give to others shows us our ability to let go of attachments that otherwise can limit our beliefs and our experiences. It might be in our nature to think, “That object is mine for X, Y or Z reason.” But that thought can simply dissolve. This doesn’t just happen passively; we choose to let it through the cultivation of generosity. It is in that choice to dissolve that we carry ourselves to a state of greater freedom.

Our attachments might want to put a cap on our generosity and say, “I will give this much and no more,” or “I will give this article or object if I am appreciated enough for this act of giving.” But it is through the practice of generosity that we learn to see through the attachments, and create space for ourselves.

This doesn’t mean generosity eradicates all attachment automatically or immediately. When we practice the act of simply observing our attachments through acts of generosity, they loosen. They become less opaque, less solid. In that place, we can find greater spaciousness in our minds and tap into a greater sense of inner happiness.

From there, we can continue a deep investigation, cultivating further strength and flexibility to look at everything in our experience this way.

In other words, generosity can make us happier! According to sociologists Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson in their new book The Paradox of Generosity , there is a scientific, inarguable connection between generosity and happiness. Smith and Davidson surveyed 2,000 individuals (comprised of 40 families in 12 different states, all from different classes and races) over a five-year period about their spending habits and lifestyles. The participants who identified as “very happy” were those who reported volunteering for 5.8 hours per month; among those who donated more than 10% of their income, participants reported lower depression rates.

Smith and Davidson also found that participants who were emotionally generous in relationships — through giving love and emotional availability — were in much better health (48%) than those who were not (31%). In short, being able to step outside of oneself and give is an essential ingredient for happiness.

The idea that we benefit from being generous may seem like a strange thing to think about. Does that knowledge somehow taint our generous actions, making them corrupted and selfish? No. I think it’s OK to practice generosity knowing that it is beneficial to ourselves as well as to the recipient. It’s not selfishness, it’s an honest recognition that love and generosity creates an exchange of positive energy, and fuels further love and generosity.

I’m asked this all the time by meditation students who want to create better lives for themselves as well as others, but who feel a little squeamish when thinking about bolstering their own happiness through giving. I commonly respond with, “Seeing how the universe operates, having a sense of conditionality and cause and effect, that generosity brings happiness to the giver, isn’t selfish — it’s science!”

Our tendency is to look at other people around us and see them as “other,” that they are fundamentally disconnected from us. It’s self-protective but also keeps us at arms length from others and ourselves. Thinking of the world in this dualistic way causes us to feel a tighter grip on our habitual thoughts that tend to inform the way we act and define ourselves.

The most common problem happens when we act generously along with feeling a strong expectation for our offering to be received by another in a particular way: I want to give you that present because it will make you like me, or, I will bring my coworker a coffee so that she will say something nice about me to our boss. By contrast, a nourishing generosity emerges when we give without the need for our offering to be received in a certain way, perhaps wishing to be recognized or validated, but not needing it. When generosity lets go of these kinds of expectations, it is a movement toward freedom. That is how and why generosity can be a force, a resource, a tool.

The Buddhist tradition says that whenever the Buddha was teaching lay people, he would always begin with a teaching on generosity because it can bring so much joy and self-respect. This is a good platform from which to look at all of our experiences, including very painful ones, and not feel overwhelmed by them. And, it is said, the Buddha always began talking about generosity because we all have something to give. It might not be material. It might be paying attention to someone. It might be listening fully. It might be smiling at someone, or thanking them. These are all displaying generosity of the spirit.

Generosity is the bread and butter of feeling connected in our lives — to ourselves, to others, and to life itself. And it’s a practice. “I might read it next year even though it’s been sitting on that bedside pile for 4 years,“ or “I don’t know what advantage it is to me to pay attention to you,” or “If I give you this, I wonder if you’ll give me that,” or “How loudly and vociferously will you thank me?” You can experiment with making certain thoughts like these. They are the signal to take a deep breath, relax our grip, and take a chance on generosity.

Contributors

Sharon Salzberg is one of the original three young Americans who traveled to India in the 1960s and ‘70s and introduced Buddhist meditation into mainstream Western culture. She is a globally renowned meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. Her books include Real Happiness , Lovingkindness , and most recently, Real Change: Mindfulness To Heal Ourselves and the World .

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Five ways giving is good for you, jason marsh and jill suttie offer added incentives to get into the holiday spirit..

Holiday shopping can be terrifying, yes. But research suggests it’s worth it: New studies attest to the benefits of giving—not just for the recipients but for the givers’ health and happiness, and for the strength of entire communities.

Of course, you don’t have to shop to reap the benefits of giving. Research suggests the same benefits come from donating to charities or volunteering your time, like at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. Here are some of the ways that giving is good for you and your community.

1. Giving makes us feel happy. A 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted participants’ happiness more that spending it on themselves (despite participants’ prediction that spending on themselves would make them happier). Happiness expert Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, saw similar results when she asked people to perform five acts of kindness each week for six weeks.

These good feelings are reflected in our biology. In a 2006 study, Jorge Moll and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”

2. Giving is good for our health. A wide range of research has linked different forms of generosity to better health, even among the sick and elderly. In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People , Stephen Post, a professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, reports that giving to others has been shown to increase health benefits in people with chronic illness, including HIV and multiple sclerosis.

A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking. Stephanie Brown of the University of Michigan saw similar results in a 2003 study on elderly couples. She and her colleagues found that those individuals who provided practical help to friends, relatives, or neighbors, or gave emotional support to their spouses, had a lower risk of dying over a five-year period than those who didn’t. Interestingly, receiving help wasn’t linked to a reduced death risk.

Researchers suggest that one reason giving may improve physical health and longevity is that it helps decrease stress, which is associated with a variety of health problems. In a 2006 study by Rachel Piferi of Johns Hopkins University and Kathleen Lawler of the University of Tennessee, people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than participants who didn’t, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves.

3. Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. When you give, you’re more likely to get back: Several studies, including work by sociologists Brent Simpson and Robb Willer, have suggested that when you give to others, your generosity is likely to be rewarded by others down the line—sometimes by the person you gave to, sometimes by someone else.

These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our ties to others—and research has shown that having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical health. As researcher John Cacioppo writes in his book Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection , “The more extensive the reciprocal altruism born of social connection . . . the greater the advance toward health, wealth, and happiness.”

What’s more, when we give to others, we don’t only make them feel closer to us; we also feel closer to them. “Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably,” writes Lyubomirsky in her book The How of Happiness , and this “fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community.”

4. Giving evokes gratitude. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude—it can be a way of expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the recipient. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds.

Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, co-directors of the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, found that teaching college students to “count their blessings” and cultivate gratitude caused them to exercise more, be more optimistic, and feel better about their lives overall. A recent study led by Nathaniel Lambert at Florida State University found that expressing gratitude to a close friend or romantic partner strengthens our sense of connection to that person.

Barbara Fredrickson, a pioneering happiness researcher, suggests that cultivating gratitude in everyday life is one of the keys to increasing personal happiness. “When you express your gratitude in words or actions, you not only boost your own positivity but [other people’s] as well,” she writes in her book Positivity . “And in the process you reinforce their kindness and strengthen your bond to one another.”

5. Giving is contagious. When we give, we don’t only help the immediate recipient of our gift. We also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community.

A study by James Fowler of the University of California, San Diego, and Nicholas Christakis of Harvard, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science , shows that when one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generously later, toward different people. In fact, the researchers found that altruism could spread by three degrees—from person to person to person to person. “As a result,” they write, “each person in a network can influence dozens or even hundreds of people, some of whom [they do] not know and [have] not met.” ] Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone (also released during sex and breast feeding) that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others. In laboratory studies, Paul Zak, the director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, has found that a dose of oxytocin will cause people to give more generously and to feel more empathy towards others, with “symptoms” lasting up to two hours. And those people on an “oxytocin high” can potentially jumpstart a “virtuous circle, where one person’s generous behavior triggers another’s,” says Zak.

So whether you buy gifts, volunteer your time, or donate money to charity this holiday season, your giving is much more than just a year-end chore. It may help you build stronger social connections and even jumpstart a cascade of generosity through your community. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself benefiting from a big dose of happiness in the process.

About the Authors

Jill Suttie

Jill Suttie, Psy.D. , is Greater Good ’s former book review editor and now serves as a staff writer and contributing editor for the magazine. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good .

Jason Marsh

Jason Marsh is the executive director of the Greater Good Science Center and the editor in chief of Greater Good .

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This is a thoughtful entry. I’m used to hearing that giving makes you happy and that it is healthy, but there are many other benefits.

In fact, giving is so good for us that I can think of several other benefits right off the bat: Giving can actually alleviate minor mental illness. Certain forms of it, like formal volunteering, can help you create a winning resume or application for something. Giving can result in personal growth. Giving can help you be a good role model to the young people in your life. And most importantly, giving makes the world a better place for us all to live in. If everyone did their part, maybe we could all reduce the amount of crime, violence, prejudice, and suffering.

Amanda | 5:38 am, January 8, 2011 | Link

“Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone (also released during sex and breast feeding) that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others. “

I love it! I am forwarding this article to my husby to answer his complains on not enough sex. He is not giving me enough!

Club Wear | 10:41 pm, January 10, 2011 | Link

Wow. I’m really glad I found this article and this site. I’ve been looking for some solid research on why we should give and encourage the act of giving and this site is excellent.

“A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking.”

I would love to get this into the minds of general society. How often do we hear about driven people who work all their lives, but quickly die once they retire?

Perhaps engaging voluntary work would not only benefit others, but also prolong the life of the volunteer.

Darren | 12:09 am, August 7, 2011 | Link

I’m a millionaire and I often help my employees during financial hardship. I prefer to spend on others rather than myself.

Mike | 1:28 pm, January 16, 2013 | Link

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• The Importance and Benefits of Generosity

• March 26, 2023

Introduction

Generosity is a trait that has been praised and admired throughout history. From the charitable acts of Mother Teresa to the generous donations of Bill Gates, generosity has played a crucial role in making our world a better place. But generosity isn’t just about giving money or material possessions; it’s also about showing others your time, energy, and empathy. In this blog post, we’ll explore why being generous is important and how it can benefit you and those around you. So sit, unwind, and explore the beautiful world of generosity!

What is generosity?

Generosity is being kind and giving, especially with your time or money. When generous, you put others first without expecting anything in return. Charity is about giving more than you can afford and is often a way to show your love for someone.

Being generous doesn’t mean giving away all your possessions or constantly putting others before yourself. It simply means finding ways to help when you can, whether picking up a shift for a coworker or donating to a worthy cause. Generosity is often its reward, but there are also some science-backed benefits of being generous.

For one, generosity has been linked with happiness. In one study, people who gave money to charity were happier than those who didn’t. And in another study, people who performed acts of kindness were more satisfied than those who didn’t.

There is evidence suggesting that being generous is associated with improved physical health. For instance, one study found that individuals over 50 who volunteered for two or more organizations had a 44% lower chance of dying over five years than those who didn’t volunteer. In addition, another study discovered that people who assisted others had a reduced likelihood of developing high blood pressure compared to those who did not offer help.

So if you’re looking for ways to be happier and healthier, consider being more generous

Why is generosity important?

Being generous is one of the most crucial things you can do for yourself and others. Generosity has many benefits, including making you happier, improving your relationships, and helping those in need.

When you exhibit generosity, you are offering something that does not incur a high cost to you but can profoundly impact another person. Such an act of kindness has the potential to bring joy and light to their day and even improve their life. Even a small act of generosity can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Being generous also makes you feel good about yourself. It’s a great way to boost your self-esteem and confidence. When you give to others, it feels good knowing that you have helped make someone’s life better.

In addition to making you feel good, being generous also improves your relationships. People will start to see you as kind and caring when you are always giving. They will be more likely to want to be around you and be your friend.

Lastly, one of the most important reasons to be generous is because it helps those in need. So many people in the world are less fortunate than we are. When we give to them, we are helping make their lives just a little bit easier. Even if we cannot alter the world, we can impact someone’s life by being kind.

The benefits of generosity

Generosity is often described as the quality of being kind and giving. It is a virtue that can be applied in many ways, from donating money to charities to volunteering your time to help others.

Many benefits come from being generous. One of the most obvious benefits is that it makes you feel good. When you give to someone else, it feels like you are making a positive difference in their life, which can help boost your mood and self-esteem.

Being generous can also help build strong relationships. When you give to others, they are more likely to reciprocate, creating a cycle of giving that strengthens your bond with them. Additionally, generosity can inspire others to give more, creating a ripple effect of kindness.

Finally, generosity has been shown to affect the giver positively. Studies have found that people who give regularly have lower blood pressure and longer lifespans than those who do not. So not only does generosity make you feel good, but it is also good for your health!

How to be more generous

Generosity is often thought of as giving money to charity, but it can be so much more than that. Generosity is about being kind and giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about changing someone else’s life, even if it’s just a little bit.

There are many ways to be more generous. You can give your time, energy, or resources. You can also be more generous with your words and actions. Here are some suggestions for how to improve:

• Give your time: Volunteer for a local organization or spend time with someone who may need some company.
• Give compliments: A kind word goes a long way and can brighten someone’s day.
• Give donations: If you have the means, consider donating to a cause or charity that is important to you.
• Pay it forward: When you receive generosity, be generous to others when you can.

Generosity has many benefits. It can make you happier and healthier, help build stronger relationships, and improve the world. So next time you have the opportunity, consider being more generous!

Generosity is a powerful emotion that can bring immense joy and satisfaction to our lives. Not only does it make us feel more connected to the people around us, but it can also lift our spirits and make us happier. Furthermore, generosity helps us create meaningful relationships with others, increases creativity, boosts self-esteem, and contributes to a healthier society overall. Therefore, if you have ever felt disconnected from those around you or unsatisfied with your life somehow, being generous could be the answer that unlocks all the answers!

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Generosity vs. Giving. What Does It Mean to Be Generous?

During the holiday season, invitations to practice generosity are plentiful. Bell ringers outside of supermarkets, food bank fundraisers at the office, and blanket and toy drives for the houseless remind us of the many ways we can open our hearts through the act of giving. They also offer us a moment to reflect on the practice of generosity. Is the act of giving the same as practicing generosity? And do they make the same impact on our inner experiences?

In this article, we’ll explore the different ways we can define and think about generosity, and try some mindful activities for cultivating generosity–in our own lives and with youth. We’ll also find out what scientists are learning about the links between generosity and our health and well-being.

What is Generosity?

The University of Notre Dame’s Science of Generosity Project defines generosity as “the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.” When we think deeply about this definition, three parts stand out clearly. Generosity is giving “good things”, giving “freely”, and giving “abundantly.”

We can deepen our experience of generosity by moving from acts of generosity to cultivating an attitude of generosity . When we embody an attitude of generosity, the good things we share expand out from deep within our hearts as an offering of freedom from fear–no one need fear that I will harm them, no one need fear that I will take from them what is not mine, no one need fear that I will cause harm with my words. To show up in the world, especially when working with youth, as love and safety, is generous beyond measure.

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Giving Good Things

When we practice generosity, the “good things” that we give can take many forms. Certainly, some “things” are tangible items like toys, blankets, and food. Giving material things to help others is both a valuable and needed act of generosity. We can also give things like our time , our talents , and our full presence when we are with the youth we serve. A quick and important caution with giving things: in my years of service in Title 1 schools, and economically marginalized communities, I have come to know that it is critical that we remember to give with respect and humility , acknowledging ourselves as equals in the giver-receiver relationship.

Giving Freely

How we give is as important as what we give.

It’s said that there are two kinds of giving; one-handed giving and open-handed giving. One-handed giving is when we offer something a bit unwillingly. I once had a fellow teacher comment on a book he saw displayed on a shelf in my classroom. He mentioned how fondly he remembered his mother reading the book to him as a child. I had purchased the book as a brand new teacher and it had been a beloved part of my collection for many years. I didn’t want to part with it, but I offered it anyway. My friend was so grateful and I was happy for him as I watched him flip through the pages. But, as I watched him walk away with the book, I had a yearning in my heart, a subtle feeling of loss. I had given the book away with just one hand.

Contrary to one-handed giving, open-handed, or open-hearted generosity is a way of letting go with kindness and gentleness that has no regret, no feeling of loss associated with it. Open-hearted generosity is a boundless generosity that expands and lightens the heart because it is rooted deeply in the concept that we are one, there is no separation between us. I have a dear friend who is both kind and gentle. She is that kind of person who is easy to love and be around. She once complimented me on a pair of earrings I had just purchased that day and that I couldn’t wait to wear. Yet, the moment she smiled at them, I knew that they belonged to her. Without even really thinking, I took them off and gave them to her. It was a fluid kind of gesture, it just happened without thought, judgement, or hesitation. When she put the earrings on, they looked stunning and the felt sensation that followed was an opening and lightening of the space between my collar bone and lower ribs. When we practice generosity in an open-handed way, there is no reluctance, only a forward movement toward the authentic way of the heart.

Giving Abundantly

Giving abundantly invites us to draw deeply upon knowing that our lives are plentiful. Within each of us, there is an unlimited supply of love and compassion. It is from this abundant heart space that generosity flows from.

Consider this story told by Thich Nhat Hahn:

There is a kind of vegetable in Vietnam called he (pronounced “hey”). It belongs to the onion family and looks like a scallion, and it is very good in soup. The more you cut the he plants at the base, the more they grow. If you don’t cut them they won’t grow very much. But if you cut them often, right at the base of the stalk, they grow bigger and bigger. This is also true of the practice of generosity. If you give and continue to give, you become richer and richer all the time, richer in terms of happiness and well-being. This may seem strange but it is always true.

Mindfulness Practices to Cultivate Generosity

Cultivating generosity with youth.

• Smile. Giving away a smile can be a simple yet impactful form of generosity. Invite students to identify a person at school whom they will offer a smile to at least once a day for month. Students can reflect on this process by journaling how if feels each day to give in this way.
• Practice Self-Love. Being generous with ourselves can be a lifelong challenge. We can support our youth with developing healthy self images by encouraging them to practice self-love. Give each student a small hand held mirror. Invite them to look deeply at themselves and to then say nice things to themselves. Be sure to invite students to reflect in how it felt to be generous toward themselves. Do this often! And don’t forget to practice with them!

A Guided Generosity Practice for You

Sit in a position that feels stable yet comfortable.

If it feels right for you, close your eyes. If it feels better to keep you eyes open, gently gaze down in front of you.

Settling into this moment by noticing your breath.

Now, I’d like to invite you to bring to mind a time when someone was generous toward you, a time when someone did something nice for you. Bring that time to mind in full color, reflecting on who was there, where you were…How did it make you feel? Where does that feeling live in your body? Really feel into what this time was like for you.

If your mind begins to wander, that’s okay. Gently escort your attention back to feeling the time when someone did something nice for you.

Now, I’d like to invite you to bring to mind a time when you were generous with someone, a time when you did something nice for someone else. Again, really sinking into this memory by recalling who was there, where you were, and what was happening. How did it make you feel to be generous in this way? Where do you feel that in your body? What are the sensations of generosity like in your body?

Ending this short contemplation by resting back in your breath for a moment.

The Benefits of Generosity

The scientific consequences of generosity have been studied for many years now. On an individual level, the Greater Good Science Center White Paper on Generosity shows the benefits of practicing generosity to be far reaching. Scientists are discovering generosity to be an ally to our health–from positive effects on mortality to physical and emotional wellness. On a relational level, generosity can be like connective tissue, connecting us with others through honest, loving engagement. Our communities thrive when we give freely and abundantly.

Additional Resources: Children’s Books with the Theme of Generosity

• The Giving Tree- Shel Silverstein
• The Rainbow Fish- Marcus Pfister
• The Giving Book- Eileen Saben
• Should I Share my Ice Cream- Mo Willems
• Under the Lemon Moon- Edith Hope Fine
• Mama Paya’s Pancakes- May and Rich Chamberlain
• Those Shoes- Maribeth Boelts

Love is the ultimate gift of ourselves to others.  When we stop giving we stop loving, when we stop loving we stop growing, and unless we grow we will never attain personal fulfillment. – Mother Theresa

Amy Love has been an urban public school educator for over 25 years. During this time she has been a classroom teacher, intervention specialist, peer coach, professional development specialist, and curriculum writer. In addition to teaching and practicing mindfulness with students, teachers, and administrators in schools, Amy has taught mindfulness in a variety of other settings, such as prisons, community outreach programs, and yoga communities. She is a graduate of the Mindful Teacher Certification Program (2016) and is also on staff with Mindful Schools as a guiding teacher. Amy is also a graduate of Against the Stream’s Community Meditation Facilitator program. She currently facilitates for Meditation Coalition’s People of Color Sangha as well as offering mindfulness programing through Insight LA. Amy is particularly interested in bringing mindfulness practices to communities who have been impacted by historical racial trauma and well as those experiencing suffering related to issues of poverty and migration.

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What is Generosity?

Here are two different approaches to the idea of generosity. The first is an etymological essay that offers a brief introduction to historical uses of the word “generosity”, as well as the Science of Generosity usage; the second is an historical essay briefly describing the importance of generosity to various cultures past and present.

An Etymology of the Word

The modern English word “generosity” derives from the Latin word generōsus , which means “of noble birth,” which itself was passed down to English through the Old French word genereux .

• The Latin stem gener– is the declensional stem of genus , meaning “kin,” “clan,” “race,” or “stock,” with the root Indo–European meaning of gen being "to beget. "
• The same root gives us the words genesis, gentry, gender, genital, gentile, genealogy, and genius, among others.
• Most recorded English uses of the word “generous” up to and during the Sixteenth Century reflect an aristocratic sense of being of noble lineage or high birth. To be generous was literally a way of saying “to belong to nobility.”

During the 17th Century, however, the meaning and use of the word began to change. Generosity came increasingly to identify not literal family heritage but a nobility of spirit thought to be associated with high birth— that is, with various admirable qualities that could now vary from person to person, depending not on family history but on whether a person actually possessed the qualities.

• In this way generosity increasingly came in the 17th Century to signify a variety of traits of character and action historically associated (whether accurately or not) with the ideals of actual nobility: gallantry, courage, strength, richness, gentleness, and fairness.
• In addition to describing these diverse human qualities, "generous "became a word during this period used to describe fertile land, the strength of animal breeds, abundant provisions of food, vibrancy of colors, the strength of liquor, and the potency of medicine.

Then, during the 18th Century, the meaning of “generosity” continued to evolve in directions denoting the more specific, contemporary meaning of munificence, open–handedness, and liberality in the giving of money and possessions to others.

• This more specific meaning came to dominate English usage by the 19th Century.
• Over the last five centuries in the English speaking world, “generosity” developed from being primarily the description of an ascribed status pertaining to the elite nobility to being an achieved mark of admirable personal quality and action capable of being exercised in theory by any person who had learned virtue and noble character.

Modern Usage of the Word

This etymological genealogy tells us that the word “generosity” that we inherit and use today entails certain historical associations which may still inform, however faintly, our contemporary cultural sensibilities on the matter.

• Generosity has not long been viewed as a normal trait of ordinary, or of all people, but rather one expected to be practiced by those of higher quality or greater goodness.
• Generosity— unlike, say, truth telling or not stealing— is more an ideal toward which the best may aspire and achieve than a “democratic” obligation that is the duty of all to practice.
• Generosity may thus, on the positive side, properly call any given person to a higher standard.

Yet simultaneously (and more problematically), this two–tier understanding may have the effect “excusing” the majority from practicing generosity because of their more ordinary perceived status.

We learn from this historical review that the meanings of words can and do evolve, and often do so in response to changing macro social conditions—such as long–term transitions from aristocratic to more democratic societies and cultures.

The Science of Generosity Usage

For our purposes, we use the word generosity to refer to the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly .

• Generosity thus conceived is a learned character trait that involves both attitude and action—entailing as a virtue both an inclination or predilection to give liberally and an actual practice of giving liberally.
• Generosity is therefore not a random idea or haphazard behavior but rather, in its mature form, a basic, personal, moral orientation to life. Furthermore, in a world of moral contrasts, generosity entails not only the moral good expressed but also many vices rejected (selfishness, greed, fear, meanness).
• Generosity also involves giving to others not simply anything in abundance but rather giving those things that are good for others. Generosity always intends to enhance the true wellbeing of those to whom it gives.
• What exactly generosity gives can be various things: money, possessions, time, attention, aid, encouragement, emotional availability, and more.
• Generosity, to be clear, is not identical to pure altruism, since people can be authentically generous in part for reasons that serve their own interests as well as those of others. Indeed, insofar as generosity is a virtue, to practice it for the good of others also necessarily means that doing so achieves one’s own true, long–term good as well.
• And so generosity, like all of the virtues, is in people’s genuine enlightened self-interest to learn and practice.

The Roots of Generosity: A Brief Cultural History

The virtue of generosity has been central throughout the Western tradition, though not always under that name. In order to grasp its ongoing significance, it is vital to place generosity within a broader context of reflection on hospitality, liberality, love, and charity. We discover in short order that pondering the nature of generosity has most often involved fundamental religious questions concerning the nature of humanity, God, and the human-divine relationship. Sustaining the intelligibility and possibility of the virtue of generosity into the future will require something at least as powerful as these inherited contexts of meaning and justification.

The special place of the virtue of hospitality throughout the Middle East has often been noted. The Arab/Islamic tradition in particular emphasizes that the faithful have a duty to God to show generous hospitality towards the stranger, offering them shelter and the best food and drink available. This virtue has deep historical roots, as is witnessed by the Hebrew Bible. It is exemplified in Abraham’s eagerness to host the three strangers who approach his tent in the wilderness, strangers whom the text identifies as Yahweh appearing to Abraham. In showing hospitality to strangers, Abraham has thus honored God and has been enabled to hear God’s covenantal promise of a son in his old age. Aliens, together with widows, orphans, and the poor, are lifted up for special moral attention, and the Israelites are repeatedly reminded that “you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Thus, care for those marginal to the community and thus in danger of being excluded from basic resources, is mandated both as a response to the needs of those persons and as a response to God’s salvific care for the people of Israel.

For Christians, to be generous is to be conformed not just to Christ but also to the loving divine Parent, whose sacrificial self-gift into the world makes possible human fellowship in the divine life; “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The apostle Paul regarded generosity (as expressed in the gifts of other Christian churches to the Jerusalem church) as a proof of the genuine character of Christian love. For Paul, this love is exemplified by Christ who, “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor” (2 Corinth. 8.9). Generosity involves giving beyond one’s means, though Paul also notes that those now giving out of their abundance may at some point be in need and be the recipients of the generosity of others.

Generosity was also a virtue in the classical pagan context. It is the third of the virtues of character discussed by Aristotle, following on the heels of courage and temperance. The generous person, for Aristotle, is one who gives of his or her wealth in a way that achieves a mean between wastefulness and covetousness. The generous person does not give indiscriminately, but seeks to give in a way that is good and fine.This, in turn, requires giving to the right people, in the right amounts, at the right time, with pleasure, and without looking out for oneself. Aristotle suggests that giving to those who lack good character, or to those who respond with flattery, is not true generosity. Generosity is proportionate to one’s resources, so it is not contingent on possession of great wealth. However, it is closely allied to the virtue of magnificence, which for Aristotle does involve large-scale giving for worthy ends, in particular those that benefit the community as a whole.

Thomas Aquinas, whose thought represents the peak of medieval scholasticism, absorbed much of Aristotle’s account of generosity into his own account of liberality, but his treatment focuses on the way that freedom from attachment to money and possessions makes possible the good use of these external goods. Liberality is not a species of justice, even though it is discussed under the heading of justice; it does not give another what is properly speaking his, that is, due to him, but gives another what is one’s own. Like Aristotle, Aquinas suggests that there are more and less fitting ways in which to give of one’s wealth.

The heart of Aquinas’ account of giving, though, is found not in his discussion of liberality, which focuses on the giver’s disposition toward wealth, but in his discussion of the outward acts of charity, notably beneficence and the giving of alms to the poor. Most fundamentally, these acts are significant because they are a way of being conformed to God, whose nature is self-communicative goodness. The mutual love of the divine Persons is expressed outward in the creation and redemption of the world. Human beings are called to respond in gratitude to God’s love by loving God and one another. In acts of beneficence we seek to do good toward others in ways that emulate the good that God has done and is doing for us. To give simply in order to receive a return is not charity but cupidity, a form of selfishness. Aquinas insists that these acts of charity should in principle extend to all, in the sense that we should be ready to do good to anyone at all, including strangers and enemies. Noting the limitations of human agency, however, he argues that our beneficence should ordinarily focus on those who are nearest and dearest to us on the one hand, and on those whose needs are most urgent, on the other. Aquinas recognizes that these claims may conflict, and that prudential judgment will be required in order to determine how one’s acts of beneficence should be directed in any concrete situation.

Today, we associate the word “charity” primarily with charitable giving to the poor. Care for the poor, together with widow and orphan and prisoner, have always been central activities of Christian churches. Generosity was not simply a virtue of individuals but a corporate responsibility, institutionalized in myriad ways. In the sixteenth century, a fundamental shift toward centralized organization of poor relief took place across Europe. This shift has at times been seen as a corruption of true generosity, as in the widespread chorus of praise for voluntary private giving in the eighteenth-century. The challenge has been to preserve, within corporate forms of charity, both governmental and non-governmental, church-related and non-church-related, some element of personal care and spontaneous gift.

An influential strand of contemporary continental philosophy has argued that the dominant received conceptions of generosity in the West are insufficiently unconditional and betray expectations of reciprocity. Emmanuel Levinas insists that true generosity does not differentiate between more or less deserving recipients, nor does it give in the expectation of return. Rather, it is an unconditional openness to the Other, an opening of oneself to otherness in a way that is willing to have one’s own identity called into question. Jacques Derrida has developed this line of reflection into an assertion of the impossibility of gift. As soon as something is recognized as a gift, the receiver becomes indebted and obliged to offer a return; free gift thus collapses into economic exchange. A gift can only exist so long as it remains unrecognized by both giver and receiver. Derrida’s argument has been subjected to vigorous critique. Most fundamentally, it is not clear why a desire for reciprocity (as opposed to a “gift” made contingent on return) taints generosity, particularly when generosity is understood fundamentally in terms of a gift of self offered in the hope of establishing relationship with some other.

These contemporary reflections on generosity and gift are finally best understood as a retrieval of core themes in the Western tradition rather than a fundamentally new departure. But the intense interest they have aroused is an indication of the fact that generosity is endangered in today’s world, a world dominated by contract or economic exchange, which is indeed strictly conditional.

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Understanding the True Purpose Of Giving: The Joy in Generosity

Aurora Simon

As human beings, we are wired to seek joy and fulfillment in our lives. While there are many ways to achieve this, giving to others has been found to be one of the most impactful and rewarding experiences. The Purpose Of Giving goes beyond materialistic gain and instant gratification, but instead, it brings a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.

Table of Contents

When we give, we experience a sense of joy that cannot be found through any other means. The act of giving triggers a release of endorphins in our brains, making us feel happier and more fulfilled. It allows us to connect with others deeper and creates a sense of unity and compassion within our communities.

Giving has countless benefits, from improving our mental and physical well-being to strengthening our relationships with others. In the upcoming sections, we will explore the various reasons for giving, the impact of giving on our communities and the world, and how we can cultivate a culture of giving in our society.

Why Giving Matters

Giving is not just an act of kindness but a powerful tool for personal growth and social change. At its core, giving is about connecting with others and positively impacting the world. Here, we will explore the significance of giving and the many benefits it can bring to our lives.

What is the Purpose of Giving?

The purpose of giving is to create a sense of community, to help those in need, and to foster a spirit of generosity and empathy. When we give, we contribute to the betterment of society, reinforcing our shared values and beliefs. At the same time, giving can help us connect with others, build relationships, and experience the joy and fulfillment of helping others.

Why is Giving Important?

Giving is important because it allows us to impact the world, no matter how small positively. Whether we give our time, money, or resources, our acts of generosity can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same. Moreover, giving can help us develop a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives, contributing to our overall well-being and happiness.

What are the Benefits of Giving?

Many benefits arise from giving, both for the giver and the recipient. For the giver, giving can enhance our sense of self-worth, promote feelings of compassion and empathy, and foster personal growth. Giving can also improve our mental and physical health, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being. For the recipient, giving can provide much-needed relief, support, and assistance, helping them overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

Ultimately, giving is a transformative act that can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose to our lives. Whether we give to others, to charity, or to our communities, we can positively impact the world and inspire others to do the same. So let us embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion and make giving a part of our daily lives.

The Benefits of Giving

Giving has numerous benefits that extend beyond assisting those in need. Research has shown that those who regularly give experience positive effects such as increased happiness and improved well-being. These benefits are not only experienced by the giver, but they also profoundly impact the recipient and the community as a whole.

The benefits of giving include:

Additionally, giving back to the community can positively impact society. Charitable acts not only benefit the individual, but they also contribute to the greater good of the community. Donating to a charity, volunteering, or simply helping a neighbor can ignite a ripple effect of kindness and inspire others to give.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

The Joy of Giving

Giving is often accompanied by a sense of joy and fulfillment. Seeing the positive impact that one’s actions have on others can be an advantageous experience. Scientific studies have also shown that the joy experienced from giving is comparable to the feeling of happiness one experiences after receiving a gift.

When we give, we also develop a greater gratitude for what we have and a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life. Giving provides a sense of purpose and meaning, allowing individuals to feel as though they are making a positive difference in the world around them. This feeling of significance and fulfillment makes giving such a powerful and rewarding experience.

Giving Back to the Community

One of the most significant ways to give is by giving back to our communities. Whether volunteering our time, donating resources, or supporting local businesses, giving back can help create a positive impact on society as a whole. Investing in our communities can help create a better tomorrow for ourselves and those around us.

Communities comprise individuals, families, businesses, and organizations working together to achieve common goals. When we give back, we become an integral part of this ecosystem, providing support, resources, and guidance where needed most. Our contributions can help strengthen the fabric of the community, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its members.

There are many ways to give back to our communities, from volunteering at local events to supporting local businesses to donating to charitable causes. The key is to find a reason or organization that resonates with your values and passions, and then commit to supporting it however you can.

When we give back to our communities, we help those around us and experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Giving back allows us to connect with others, build new relationships, and positively impact the world. It reminds us that we are all connected and that our actions, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of others.

Finding Joy in Giving to Charity

One of the most rewarding forms of giving is donating to charitable causes. It allows us to positively impact the world and create meaningful change in the lives of others. The joy of giving to charity is unparalleled, as we see firsthand the difference that our contributions can make.

Charitable giving can take many forms, including monetary donations, volunteering our time and skills, or donating goods and services. Whatever form it takes, giving to charity allows us to make a tangible difference in the world and bring joy and hope to those in need.

Not only does giving to charity benefit those on the receiving end, but it also brings joy and fulfillment to the giver. Research shows that giving to charity releases endorphins in our brains, leading to increased happiness and well-being.

Giving to charity can also help us feel more connected to the world around us. Through supporting causes that align with our values and beliefs, we can feel a sense of purpose and belonging, knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of others.

Finally, giving to charity can also be a powerful way to inspire others to join in the spirit of generosity. By sharing our giving stories and encouraging friends and family to get involved, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that reaches far beyond our contributions.

“When I donated to my local animal shelter, I never expected how much joy it would bring me. Seeing the happy faces of the pets and the shelter workers made me feel like I was making a real difference in the world. Plus, I was able to connect with other like-minded individuals who were passionate about animal welfare. It was an experience that brought me immense joy and gratitude.”

The Impact of Giving on Others

When we give to others, we not only benefit ourselves, but we also make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Our actions of generosity can inspire kindness and positivity, fostering a culture of giving that extends far beyond our sphere.

Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a significant contribution to a charitable cause, our giving has the power to transform lives. By sharing our resources and time with others, we can help provide crucial support to those in need, creating a ripple effect of change that reaches far beyond our immediate community.

Moreover, the act of giving can inspire others to follow suit, creating a domino effect of kindness and generosity. When we selflessly give to others, we encourage those around us to do the same, amplifying the collective impact of our actions.

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart

By acting as a role model and inspiring others to give, we can help nurture a culture of giving that encourages compassion, empathy, and a sense of community. Through acts of kindness and generosity, we can come together and create a better world for all.

Cultivating Generosity for Inner Growth

When we give from our hearts, we receive much more than we give. Giving is not only about providing material or financial support to others, but it is also about cultivating inner growth, gratitude, and a sense of purpose in our own lives.

Generosity is a way of life that involves developing a giving mindset and a willingness to serve others. It requires us to shift our focus from our own needs to the needs of others, creating a ripple effect of positivity in our lives and the lives of those around us.

As we cultivate generosity, we learn to appreciate the simple things we may have taken for granted. Giving helps us develop deeper empathy and compassion towards others, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and enriching life.

Moreover, generosity not only benefits us as individuals but has the power to transform entire communities. When we lead by example, our giving inspires others to follow suit, creating a culture of generosity and kindness that can bring about significant positive change.

In a world where materialistic desires often take center stage, cultivating generosity provides a counterbalance that promotes personal and collective growth, love, and happiness.

“The practice of generosity is as much about receiving as it is about giving. When we give from a place of love and compassion, we receive joy, inner peace, and a deeper sense of connection to others and the world around us.”

Giving as an Expression of Love

One of the most profound reasons for giving is the opportunity it provides to express our love to those around us. Whether it’s our family, friends, or even strangers, giving allows us to show compassion, kindness, and generosity, all rooted in love.

When we give to others, we are saying, “I care about you, and I want to make your life better.” This act of selflessness not only helps the recipient but also strengthens our own connections and relationships. By giving, we create a sense of belonging and unity that resonates throughout our communities.

At the heart of giving as an expression of love is the idea that we are all connected, and our actions have the power to inspire and uplift others. As we give to those around us, we create a ripple effect of positivity that spreads far beyond our own circles.

So, whether it’s a small act of kindness or a significant gesture, giving as an expression of love can bring joy and fulfillment to both the giver and the recipient.

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” -Morrie Schwartz

Inspiring Others Through Giving

One of the most beautiful outcomes of giving is its ability to inspire others. When we act to help others or contribute to a cause we care about, we set an example for those around us. Our acts of generosity can help create a ripple effect that inspires others to join us in giving back.

Whether donating to a charity, volunteering at a local organization, or simply offering a helping hand to a neighbor in need, our actions can inspire those around us. Seeing the impact that giving can have on others can motivate people to take action and make a difference in their own way.

Through our acts of giving, we can also instill a sense of compassion and empathy in those around us. When we show kindness and generosity, we promote a culture of empathy and inspire others to do the same.

As we inspire others through giving, we also benefit from the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping those in need. It’s a win-win situation that benefits the recipient and brings joy and satisfaction to the giver.

So let’s continue to inspire others through our acts of giving, creating a world filled with compassion, empathy, and generosity.

Overcoming Barriers to Giving

Giving is often associated with financial donations, but it can also include giving our time, skills, and resources to make a positive impact. However, many people may feel hesitant to give due to various reasons. Here are some common barriers to giving and suggestions for how to overcome them:

By recognizing and overcoming these barriers, we can embrace the joy of giving and make a positive impact on our communities and beyond.

Nurturing a Culture of Giving

Imagine a world where giving is a way of life, where everyone feels compelled to help those in need, and where kindness and compassion are the norm. This is the culture of giving that we should strive to nurture, both as individuals and as a society.

But how do we create a culture of giving? It starts with each one of us. We can inspire by example, showing others the joy and fulfillment that comes with giving. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, donating to a cause we believe in, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need, our acts of giving can inspire others to follow suit.

Another way to nurture a culture of giving is to make it a part of our everyday lives. We can look for opportunities to give back to our communities, whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger initiatives. We can encourage our friends and family to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positivity that can spread far and wide.

It’s important to recognize that giving doesn’t always have to involve money or material possessions. We can give our time, our skills, and our support to those who need it most. By doing so, we can create meaningful connections with others and forge a sense of purpose in our own lives.

Ultimately, nurturing a culture of giving requires a shift in mindset. We need to recognize the inherent value of generosity and compassion, and we need to prioritize these values in our own lives. We can start by reflecting on the impact that giving has had on our own lives, and then consider how we can pay it forward to others.

By nurturing a culture of giving, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations. We can inspire positivity, promote kindness, and make a profound impact on the world around us. So let us all embrace the joy of giving and work towards a brighter future for all.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Purpose Of Giving

Q: Why is giving important?

A: Giving allows us to make a positive impact on the lives of others and our communities. It also benefits us by promoting personal growth, a sense of purpose, and improved well-being.

Q: What are some benefits of giving?

A: Giving promotes personal growth, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. It also strengthens relationships and enhances overall well-being.

Q: How can I overcome barriers to giving?

A: Start small, set giving goals, and find causes that resonate with your values. Additionally, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who also prioritize giving.

Q: How can I find a charity to give to?

A: Research organizations that align with your values and have a proven track record of making a positive impact. Websites such as Charity Navigator or GuideStar can provide helpful information and resources.

Q: What is the impact of giving on others?

A: Giving can have a profound impact on the lives of others, fostering compassion, and inspiring positivity. It can also create a ripple effect of positive change and inspire others to join in the spirit of generosity.

Q: How can I cultivate a culture of giving?

A: Encourage and model giving behaviors, volunteer in your community, and support organizations that promote giving and generosity.

Q: Can giving be an expression of love?

A: Yes, giving allows us to express love and strengthen our connections with loved ones and the broader community.

Q: How can giving cultivate inner growth ?

A: Giving promotes gratitude, a sense of purpose, and personal growth, leading to a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Q: How does giving back to the community create a positive impact?

A: Giving back to our communities promotes a sense of belonging and fosters positive relationships. It also helps create a positive impact on society by addressing social and economic challenges.

About the author

With an enduring passion for human potential, I have dedicated my life to learning, growing, and most importantly, empowering others to discover their own unique paths to self-improvement. As a personal development blogger, I distill the wisdom gathered from various life experiences, books, seminars, and thought leaders to provide you with actionable insights and tools for your own growth. I believe that each one of us is capable of extraordinary things, and my mission is to help you unlock that potential. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and together let’s cultivate a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy. You can contact us here.

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The Benefits of Kindness: How Simple Acts of Generosity Improve Your Health and Happiness

• July 24, 2023

In this article:

The science-backed benefits of practicing kindness daily.

As leading positive psychology researcher  Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky  expresses in her book The How of Happiness, “Being kind and generous leads to healthier relationships and greater happiness.” Extensive research demonstrates how even small, regular acts of kindness and generosity can profoundly enhance happiness, health, and social connections. This article will explore the compelling scientific evidence on the many benefits of being kind and share research-based techniques to start cultivating more compassionate habits in your daily life – toward others as well as yourself. We’ll provide tips grounded in positive psychology literature on how practicing kindness can uplift your mood, reduce anxiety, strengthen your relationships, and boost overall wellbeing.

Brain Scans Reveal Biochemical Rewards of Generosity

Rigorous studies utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans show that kind deeds stimulate pleasure centers in the brain and activate its reward circuitry. Specifically, regions like the ventral striatum and anterior prefrontal cortex – associated with dopamine production – light up when people act generously. 

In essence, selfless giving triggers our brain’s “feel good” response, releasing neurochemicals like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. These are the same chemicals released from eating chocolate, having sex, or taking certain recreational drugs. As positive psychology researcher Dr. Barbara Fredrickson established in her influential 2001 paper “The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology,” even small acts of kindness can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin in the brain.

So empirical evidence confirms that being generous literally changes your brain chemistry and makes you feel happier on a biological level.

Volunteering and Charitable Giving Have Long-Lasting Mental Health Benefits 

In addition to short-term neurological rewards, research reveals that sustaining a habit of generosity leads to lasting boosts in psychological wellbeing. For example, multiple studies find that volunteering time produces spikes in happiness, self-esteem and life satisfaction that can endure for months after the generous act.

Similarly, people who give money to charity on a regular basis report higher levels of overall happiness and satisfaction with life. They also experience reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to non-givers.

Witnessing Acts of Kindness Uplifts Wellbeing Too

Interestingly, science confirms you don’t have to be on the giving end of kindness to reap rewards. Numerous experiments show that even observing others engage in generous deeds leads to measurable positive effects on mood and emotional health.

In studies where participants watch videos of strangers performing altruistic actions – like giving away money or helping someone in need – the observers report feeling uplifted and more satisfied with life afterward. 

So whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of a kind act, or simply bearing witness, the effect tends to rub off on your own wellbeing in a positive manner.

Kindness Reduces Harmful Stress Hormones and Anxiety 

Another meaningful finding from the research is that practicing compassionate habits leads to reductions in harmful stress hormones like cortisol. Studies show that practicing compassionate habits leads to reductions in harmful stress hormones like cortisol. As neuropsychologist Dr. Rick Hanson explains in his acclaimed book Hardwiring Happiness , this is due to neuroplasticity – our brains release calming neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin when we are kind, motivating us to repeat these actions. Cortisol is released in response to fearful stimuli as part of our innate fight-or-flight mechanism. While essential in genuinely dangerous situations, chronically elevated cortisol from everyday stress impairs cognitive function, mental health, and cardiovascular health over time.

However, studies confirm that consistently behaving in kind and generous ways inhibits unnecessary stress responses and anxiety. People measured to engage in more altruistic behaviors tend to have lower cortisol levels and be less anxious day-to-day. 

Habits to Practice More Kindness in Your Daily Life

Given the extensive scientific support for the wide-ranging benefits of kindness, you may be wondering how to incorporate more generous habits into your daily actions and interactions. Thankfully, building kindness into your routine is often as simple as being more thoughtful in everyday situations:

• Warmly smile at strangers, hold doors, allow others to go first, give up your seat. These types of courtesy boost both your mood and others’.
• Give sincere compliments about little things. Express heartfelt gratitude. Validate others’ thoughts and praise accomplishments. Studies show how uplifting a few words of affirmation can be.
• Listen generously without interrupting when someone needs an ear. Display empathy, understanding, and compassion. Helping others feel heard fosters connection.
• Help strangers in need. Assist parents with strollers, help older adults carry packages, or provide directions. Look for opportunities to volunteer with organizations addressing causes important to you. Donate funds or goods to nonprofits making a positive difference.

Nurturing Self-Compassion Through Self-Kindness 

While compassion toward others is essential, positive psychology research also emphasizes the importance of nurturing self-compassion in parallel. The key is to treat yourself with the same kindness, care, and understanding you would show a good friend. As self-compassion expert Dr. Kristin Neff explains, speaking to yourself with kindness and understanding helps quiet your inner critic and boost emotional wellbeing.

Strategies include:

• Replace harsh inner critics with encouraging words you’d give loved ones. Celebrate your efforts rather than judging yourself.
• Challenge negative thoughts through affirmations focused on self-acceptance. Perfection is impossible, so praise your progress. 
• Meet your basic needs for rest, healthy food, leisure time, and saying no to unnecessary burdens. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
• Make time for self-care activities like creativity, music, journaling, nature walks, or spa days. Do things that enliven your spirit.
• Volunteer with organizations that resonate with your values. Helping others provides meaning while soothing self-absorption. 

Design Custom Kindness Challenges to Form Habits  

To help kick start new habits, positive psychology often prescribes “positive interventions” – small intentional actions performed regularly to boost wellbeing. Consider taking a simple kindness challenge, such as:

• Each day for a week, complete one act of kindness toward someone else and yourself.
• On your commute, engage in three courteous acts like holding doors, complimenting others, letting cars merge.
• Send three genuine “thank you” messages to mentors, friends, or family.
• Post three positive comments on social media praising others’ accomplishments.
• Share three daily hugs with loved ones. Physical touch releases oxytocin.

Track any positive effects on your mood, anxiety levels, self-worth and relationships. Mix up your routine once it becomes habitual. Studies show varying acts of kindness amplifies benefits by fighting hedonic adaptation.

The Scientific Case for Infusing Your Life With More Kindness

The empirical evidence paints a compelling picture: consistently making small choices from a place of compassion – rather than indifference – benefits mental and physical well-being across myriad dimensions. 

While the pace of modern life often feels rushed and impersonal, we all have opportunities to touch others through ordinary goodness and generosity of spirit. Science confirms that within every human brain resides the capacity for empathy, cooperation, and altruism – traits that helped our ancestors survive and thrive in close-knit tribes. When we practice kindness habitually, we honor this legacy. 

Although hardship and suffering remain an inevitable part of the human experience, choosing optimism inspires hope. Individual acts of compassion represent the best of shared humanity. With boundless creativity, we each have power to reshape society through millions of micro-moments of goodwill. 

Choose To Live Your Best Life Through Small Acts of Generosity

As Lyubomirsky expresses in The How of Happiness , “Kindness is the most certain route to achieving lasting wellbeing and fulfilling relationships.”

The research substantiates that cultivating a more generous, community-focused mindset carries quantifiable emotional, psychological, and physical health dividends. However, human beings don’t need a scientific justification to be kind – it just feels right. 

As the monk Matthieu Ricard writes: “Altruism is a win-win situation: it benefits both the giver and the receiver. The more we cultivate it, the more we become happy.”

In your journey of growth and self-actualization, I encourage you to make space for more generosity – both toward others and yourself. The rewards are endless.

Great Things Never Came From Comfort Zones

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Additional Articles in this Series

This article is part of a series of articles on the  five pillars of well-being . The pillars are positive emotion, engagement, relationship, meaning, and accomplishment.

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The Power of Positive Emotions: How They Can Boost Your Well-Being and Happiness

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The Psychology of Total Engagement: Why Immersion in Activities Matters

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Why We Procrastinate and How to Fix It: Evidence-Based Strategies to Beat Self-Sabotage

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The Science-Backed Key to Health and Happiness: Prioritizing Relationships

The Science of Extraordinary Relationships: How Research Reveals the Secrets to Fulfillment

Strengthening Relationships Through Communication: The Art of Active Constructive Responding

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Student Opinion

What Acts of Kindness Have You Witnessed or Participated In?

A farmer secretly paid for his neighbors’ prescriptions for years. Would you give this way to others — even if you wouldn’t receive any public recognition or reward?

By Jeremy Engle

When was the last time someone did something particularly kind, generous or selfless for you?

When was the last time that you did something kind for someone else? What did you do and how did it make you feel?

Do you think you would ever do something for others even if you wouldn’t receive any recognition or reward?

In “ A Farmer Secretly Paid for His Neighbors’ Prescriptions for Years ,” Emily Schmall writes about the inspiring story of Hody Childress and his act of selfless generosity:

When the doctor saw what a hornet sting had done to Eli Schlageter, 15, causing his mouth and throat to swell, his advice to Eli’s parents was unequivocal: Get an EpiPen. But they were stunned to learn that a single dose of the lifesaving drug, used to treat severe allergic reactions, cost $800 — even with insurance coverage — at their local pharmacy in Geraldine, Ala., a farm town about 60 miles southeast of Huntsville. The pharmacist, Brooke Walker, found a coupon to knock off a few hundred dollars from the total. But Eli’s mother, Bree Schlageter, still balked at the price. So, to help the family, Dr. Walker turned to an envelope full of carefully folded hundred-dollar bills from an anonymous donor. Every month for more than a decade, a local farmer, Hody Childress, had made anonymous cash donations to the pharmacy, Geraldine Drugs, aiming to help neighbors struggling to pay for prescription medication. The wider community learned of his good deed only after he died at 80 in January. Now, his family and donors from across the United States have vowed to continue his legacy. “I think he felt like he couldn’t not give,” Tania Nix, 58, the daughter of Mr. Childress, said. “Giving that way, that just got on his heart and he felt like he needed to do it.”

The article continues:

In 2010, Mr. Childress walked into Geraldine Drugs and pulled Dr. Walker, the pharmacist, aside. “‘I have a question,’” she recalled him saying, “‘Do you ever have anyone who can’t pay for their medication?’” “‘Well, yeah, that happens a good bit,’” she told him. He handed her a folded hundred-dollar bill and said, “‘The next time that happens, I want you to use this,’” she recalled. “‘I want it to be anonymous. I don’t want to know any details on who you use it on, just tell them this is a blessing from the Lord,’” he told her. He came back a month later with another folded bill, a practice he continued until late 2022, when he became too ill with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to leave his home. At that point, he decided to confide his secret to one other person, his daughter, Ms. Nix, who promised to carry on the contributions.

Students, read the entire article , then tell us:

What is your reaction to this story? Mr. Childress’s daughter said of her father’s act of kindness, “I think he felt like he couldn’t not give. Giving that way, that just got on his heart and he felt like he needed to do it.” What can we learn about the kindness of others from Mr. Childress’s big heart and generosity?

Have you ever heard of any similar acts of generosity in your community? How common do you think it is for this to happen?

The article says that Mr. Childress’s good deed was learned about only after he died at 80 in January. Do you think you would consider doing something meaningful for others even if you knew you wouldn’t receive any public recognition or thanks?

Do you have any stories from your own life of helping or being helped by people whom you did not know? Are you more likely to help others — even strangers — now that you read this article?

Do you think there is truth in the adage “It’s better to give than to receive”? Explain.

Ms. Schmall writes that Alabama, where Mr. Childress lived, spends less than the national average on Medicaid, the state and federal health insurance for the poor and vulnerable. She also notes that about a quarter of Americans struggle to pay for prescription medicine, many skipping doses, cutting pills in half or going without. While Mr. Childress’s generosity is inspiring, should we rely on individual charity to meet people’s basic needs like prescription drugs? Or do we need other kinds of remedies?

Do you wish more people showed kindness to strangers? Do you think the world would be a better place if they did?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Jeremy Engle joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2018 after spending more than 20 years as a classroom humanities and documentary-making teacher, professional developer and curriculum designer working with students and teachers across the country. More about Jeremy Engle

Generosity Essay

Generosity is the act of giving freely without expecting anything in return. It is a selfless act that can make a difference in someone else’s life. When we are generous, we often feel happier and more fulfilled. This is because generosity is one of the most important things we can do to improve our personal lives and the world around us.

There are many ways to be generous. We can give our time, our money, or our resources to help others. We can also be generous with our words and actions, showing kindness and compassion to those around us. Generosity is an important part of what it means to be human, and it is something that we should all strive for in our lives.

What does it mean to be generous? To some, it might mean giving more than they have to people who need it more. Others define generosity as trying to make people smile or making someone’s day brighter. It’s important to remember that being generous doesn’t necessarily require money; sometimes you just have give time and attention. Ultimately, the definition is different for everyone..

There are different ways to be generous. Some people might give money to charity, while others might volunteer their time. There are also small acts of generosity that can make someone’s day, like buying a coffee for the person behind you in line, or holding the door open for someone.

Generosity has been linked to happiness. When we give to others, it makes us feel good and can even improve our mental and physical health. Generosity can also help create strong relationships, as it builds trust and strengthens social bonds.

“No one has ever fallen into poverty by giving,” according to Anne Frank. Is this the case because being charitable makes your heart feel lighter? “Real generosity,” says Frank A. Clark, is “doing something nice for someone who will never notice it.”

Why does goodwill spread when no one ever remarks on someone else’s good deed? People these days frequently announce on social media when they do something nice or give to charity. While it’s wonderful that people are expressing their acts of kindness, is there a second purpose for people being so eager to publish things?

When you give without expecting anything in return, you are being generous. When you give, your happiness levels increase. A study done by the University of British Columbia found that participants who gave to charity experienced an increase in well-being compared to those who did not give. The research showed that giving leads to a “helper’s high.” This happens because when you help others, your brain releases dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone.

So, if giving makes us happy, why don’t we do it more often? One reason may be that we live in a society that is very focused on the individual. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need to look out for ourselves and take care of our own needs first. However, this mindset can actually lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

When we give to others, we create connections. These connections can help reduce loneliness and increase our sense of belonging. Giving also helps us see the world from another person’s perspective and can increase our empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is an important emotion because it allows us to feel connected to others and motivated to help them. research has shown that people who are more empathic are more likely to help others, even when there is no personal gain involved.

So, the next time you are considering whether or not to give to someone in need, remember that generosity can make you happy and increase your sense of connection to others. It may just be the thing you need to make your day a little brighter.

People often tell others about the courteous deeds they do in hopes that their generosity will be recognized. If someone is known for being generous, social protocol suggests their status will rise. Unless, people realize that the so-called “generosity” was actually just a self-serving act meant to benefit the giver and not the receiver.

Generosity has been linked to happiness. When people give, they receive an emotional boost that comes from making someone else’s life better. The good feeling that comes from generosity can be long lasting, and even lead to a “helper’s high”. Generosity leads to personal satisfaction and a sense of well-being, both for the giver and the receiver.

People often ask what the meaning of life is. While there are many different answers to this question, one thing is for sure: being generous is one way to make your life more meaningful. When you give of yourself, you are making a difference in the world and touching lives in a positive way. Whenever you see someone in need, think about how you can be generous and help them out. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture; even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.

When individuals share an admirable act they accomplished, it may appear as bragging if they do it all the time. When others are aware of your actions, humans become more generous. (BERMAN, JONATHAN Z., et al) The word “generosity” in the dictionary sense means “readiness or liberality in giving.” It implies that the individual is eager and ready to assist others at any moment. It implies that the individual does not hesitate to help someone.

This is a trait that we should all aspire to have. Unfortunately, not everyone is generous. Some people are only interested in themselves and their own needs.

There are many reasons why people may be reluctant to be generous. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past by someone who took advantage of their generosity. Or maybe they’re just afraid that they won’t have enough for themselves if they give to others. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that generosity can make a real difference in someone’s life. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can mean the world to someone.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — A Christmas Carol — Generosity Theme in “A Christmas Carol”

Generosity Theme in "A Christmas Carol"

• Categories: A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Values / Generosity: An Intrinsic Part of Filipino Culture and Identity

Generosity: An Intrinsic Part of Filipino Culture and Identity

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