Why ‘Tis Better To Give Than To Receive.

The other day, after reading an article about the Bucket Brigade and all their amazing work in Montecito, I noticed I was feeling … good. Thinking about these volunteers digging out mudslide victims made me happy.

Which got me wondering about why being of service gives us that warm gooey feeling. So I did a little research and found a study at the University of British Columbia about the effects of kindness and compassion on our bodies.

Kindness begins by replacing stress with pleasure. The act of giving actually rivals the act of receiving. Pleasure centers in our brain are equally active when we encounter gratification (dessert, money, sex to name a few) as when we offer kindness to others. Even observing kindness can trigger these sensations.

What’s happening inside us is an increase of dopamine (the happiness hormone) and the release of oxytocin (NOT OxyContin – that’s a whole other story). Oxytocin helps reduce blood pressure and is known as a cardio-protector. It also reduces inflammation – which is a big culprit in the aging process.

But putting aside the science for a moment, we’re talking about something that makes us feel good and is good for us. One or the other – sure, but both? That’s a dang miracle.

Which may explain why the Deep remains dedicated in our efforts to give to those who were affected by the Montecito tragedy. Because once you start giving – you get hooked on the feeling.

Whether or not we understand how being kind supports our health and well being – we now know studies indicate people who participate in acts of kindness benefit physically. And some of these effects are even more pronounced than exercise. Although I’m sure the shovelers in the Bucket Brigade are getting a hearty workout right along with their internal dividends.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill