Countless
campaigns nudge us to be more charitable, to give to all sorts of different
causes. As powerful as their ads may be there is something that they never
include. That are the numerous ways in which living can be the path to a better
living!
The
Charities Aid Foundation conducted a Gallup survey in a total of 153 nations to
get a picture of how popular philanthropy is and how many people take part in
charities. The same people were polled about how happy they are with their
lives.
The
results of this study were quite amazing. The researchers concluded that large
portions of the world’s population either gives money to charity or volunteers
for a good cause. Almost half the world (45%) helps at least one stranger every
month!
Philanthropy
is evolving. Are you?
Philanthropy
is becoming more prominent these days.
However,
due to that fact, it is changing with the times. For example, many
organizations now operate through online social media. These technological
platforms are used to raise awareness and offer people who have limited time or
tight resources the opportunity to contribute voluntarily in different ways.
Whether
it is simply sharing a photo to show support toward a movement or a one-click
$1 donation to a cause through a credit card, being charitable has become so
simple that there is no excuse to not contribute. We now possess all the means
necessary in order to give back to society.
Why
should I give back?
Truth
be told, not everyone understands why charity and philanthropy are as important
for the giver as much as they are beneficial for the receiver. We could simply
say that it is something like a reflex to these kind souls. The generosity in
their heart simply compels their brain to help.
However,
not all people feel the desire to donate to charitable causes. Perhaps scams of
the past, money problems or a fast-paced, tight-scheduled reality have made us
cautious of how we spend our money and somewhat neglectful to others in need.
Perhaps it has nothing at all to do with the kindness in our hearts, but rather
the reflection of our empty wallets or jaded perceptions.
When
we forget to give back or refuse to help someone who has absolutely nothing to
offer to us in return, who are we actually neglecting? We could claim we are
neglecting those who need us, but in reality, it is our very soul that is
becoming malnourished.
How
is our soul connected to giving?
What
is our soul and how do we nourish it? Our soul is a collection of our emotions,
our thoughts and our personality. It is the essence that animates our bodies
and defines who we are, what kind of lives we lead and how we treat others. To
put it more simply, our soul is everything that makes us who we are.
Kindness,
generosity and other personality traits like these are part of our souls and
spirituality; therefore, in order to nourish our souls properly, we must
cultivate all these positive attributes. The act of giving back to society and
helping those in need is both the spoon that feeds us and the food that
nourishes our well-being.
Francis
of Assisi wrote, “For it is in giving that we receive.” What he meant is that
the reward of giving is the act of giving itself. The gift is not a physical
prize or measurable praise we might get out of our actions.
Here
are five ways in which giving and being kind can improve your quality of life:
1.)
Feel lighter. Feel happier.
Quite
often our lives become too much for us to handle, especially as working adults.
Trying to balance responsibilities in this mad world can be stressful. Making
time to volunteer can keep ourselves grounded, grateful, and away from despair.
For
example, when we see people who have less than we do yet they remain in
positive spirits, we realize how lucky we are and learn to count our blessings.
Also, by hearing their stories of struggle, we come to understand that anyone
at any time might be found in the same position.
2.)
Feel healthier. Be healthier.
The
number one cause for all psychosomatic health problems is stress. This is
because when our brain goes into overdrive with negative thoughts our nervous
system sends out certain impulses. Our hearts beat faster and our adenoids
release toxic energy.
We
are always worried about one thing or another. Do we have enough time? Do we
have enough money? Are we on the right track? Can we accomplish our goals?
These are just a few of the questions that distract us from remaining present.
By
giving, we can actually reduce this stress. The moment we do something kind for
another person, there is a feeling of positivity and love that fills our
hearts. This chemical reaction shields us away from the toxins our system
produces when we are worried, anxious, or under pressure. The less stress we
have in our lives, the healthier we become both physically and mentally.
3.)
Learn how to be a team player and meet new people!
Who
among us has not had moments of boredom and loneliness? Even if we have the
busiest of schedules, when we do have spare moments we can feel off-balance.
Due to our jam-packed planners we quite often become more solitary by simply
not making the time necessary for socializing.
Giving
and volunteering can actually help with this! Why not head to an animal shelter
and spend time among creatures in urgent need of help and affection? You just
might meet new people who share the same passion for spreading goodwill.
Wherever you decide to volunteer holds a potential for socialization and
forming bonds.
4.)
Learn the meaning of gratitude.
Regardless
of whether we give or receive something in life, every time an exchange of a
gift is made, there is gratitude involved. Being thankful or creating that
experience for someone else are both two very special feelings. The act of
giving brings on a wave of love, and where there is love, there is hope and
happiness. Gratitude creates a chain reaction of positivity and abundance which
is an integral part of our physical and mental well-being.
5.)
Believe in yourself!
It is
not rare for any of us to go through periods of low self-esteem in life. Not
being able to see our self-worth can create devastating outcomes. It leads us
to making poor decisions because we do not realize what we truly deserve.
Helping others and being a good samaritan is great for getting in touch with
our inner light. It can help us reinvent ourselves and find our lost admiration
for the personality we so tirelessly forged.
Do
more, be more, have more!
Being
charitable and kind makes a huge difference, not only in other people’s lives,
but in yours as well. If someone gets to experience a single day of happiness
because of your charity, then what are you waiting for? As the saying goes,
“God helps those who help others.” Not a bad deal, right? Try it and see the
results yourself. Good Luck!
If
you enjoyed reading about giving for a better living, remember this is just one
of many ways to ‘bend’ reality, tap into powers beyond your conscious
existence, and connect with your infinite self.
http://projectyourself.com/blog/giving-for-a-better/#sthash.DFclGqTa.dpuf
