Altruism is the belief in, or practice of, disinterested and selfless concern for the well being of others. It means being kind to others without expecting anything in return. We spent some time understanding the benefits of being kind. Giving without expecting anything in return is a huge part of being a kind junkie.

PBS.org dedicates a section of their website called “The Emotional Life” to topics such as “Altruism & happiness.” Altruistic acts — including kindness, generosity, and compassion — are keys to the social connections that are so important to our happiness. Research finds that acts of kindness, especially spontaneous and out-of-the ordinary acts, can boost happiness in the person doing the good deed. Being generous leads to many good things. Being helpful to others can help us feel happier.

Giving does not always involve spending money. People can also give their time, energy, or simply even for listening. When we spend time helping others our mood can improve. Think about someone you know who is very kind and generous with his or her time. Their generosity often leads to more generosity.

When we see images of people helping less fortunate people who are affected by natural disasters or poverty, disease, etc., we want to reach out to help. Seeing others helping tends to make us want to give more as well. By giving you can create a ripple effect of more good deeds. It is like a smile from the heart, passed along to help create a better world.

Being kind can start a chain reaction of positivism; being kind to others may lead them to be grateful and generous to others, who in turn are grateful and kind to others. There is a difference between someone who gives without expecting anything in return, those who give expecting something back, as well as those who give because they think it will make them a “good” person.

When we give there is an energy that is exchanged, and the giver is always the one who receives greater benefits. Volunteers often see greater benefits than those they are serving, but when someone is wrapped up in wondering what is in it for them, the energy is shifted. The receiver has a difficult time receiving the full capacity from help. Understanding that when we give, we get so much more will often trigger us to want to give more.

Recently I had the opportunity to go to Jamaica to cover the Caribbean Yoga Conference. During the conference, a group of us visited the SOS Children’s Orphanage to volunteer our time and teach the children yoga. I was ecstatic to go! I remember thinking on my way there how much of a difference we would be making for these children. We would be teaching them yoga, and the power of breath and movement, but in my experience I got so much more in return. It wasn’t about me helping them at all. They helped me. The children taught me how to be present, how to appreciate the moment, and how to laugh at the silly things in life. It was one of the most profound moments of my life, and I feel honored to be one of the only journalists to cover the event.

Dr. Bruno da Costa, a Dentist in Beaverton is very connected to the community and believes that his community work and connecting to the people is what fuels his life. When we help others we really help ourselves.

 

 

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