The power of generosity I witnessed.
I’ve been invited away to a friends game lodge for a couple of nights. I’m feeling, incredibly lucky and blessed to be able to experience this time. What generosity my friend shows, allowing us to experience this very unique place and giving us the opportunity to make some special memories. Without her generosity this would not be happening. It gets me thinking on how powerful the act of generosity is and how it is so easy to overlook this simple but powerful characteristic. I ask myself what would the world be like if we all made a conscious effort to be more generous on a daily basis.
Generosity to others, has been scientifically proven to trigger our brains pleasure and reward centres far more than if we where the recipient of the good deed and not the giver. Oxytocin, the same hormone released during sex, floods our body, lowering our stress levels and making us feel more connected to others.
Generosity doesn’t have to cost money. It can be giving of your time, sharing a skill or even an act of kindness, a simple smile to someone in need of feeling noticed. A friend described the word beautifully to me, he said generosity is giving of something that you treasure or a skill that you have without any need for gratification.
It’s a healthy space to be in when we can remove ourselves from an internal direction of attention and focus externally on others by choice.
I challenge you to incorporate small acts of kindness and generosity into your life. Whether it be giving up a seat on a train, picking up litter, paying for someones toll fee behind you, phoning an old relative or just taking the time to smile more often at passing strangers.
Remember: witnessing the power of generosity usually spurs on more acts of “good will” from others.
How many of us can honestly say that we are generous individuals? Do we give in order to receive something in return whether it be recognition or praise? Or do we give completely freely expecting nothing back? An interesting thought to ponder. Are we equally generous if our motivation is selfless or if we have a hidden agenda in doing something kind?
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” Albert Einstein