"Compassion Cuts Both Ways"

In the article, "Scientific proof for karma? Small acts of kindness boost well-being," the authors present some (qualitative) findings:

• Researchers asked participants to act compassionately towards someone for five to 15 minutes a day, by actively helping or interacting with them in a supportive and considerate manner. Six months after that week, participants were still reporting increased happiness and self-esteem.

The overall findings suggest that donors' moods are boosted when they participate in compassionate activities-- even in small doses, and even for a short time. 

Myriam Mongrain, the lead author of the article, explains the results:

·        "Compassion cuts both ways," she explains. "If you make a conscious decision to not be so hard on others, it becomes easier to not be so hard on yourself. Furthermore, providing support to others often means that we will get support back. That is why caring for and helping others may be the best possible thing we can do for ourselves. On a less selfish level, there is something intrinsically satisfying about helping others and witnessing their gratitude.”

[The study, "Practicing Compassion Increases Happiness and Self-Esteem" appeared in the spring 2011 issue of the Journal of Happiness Studies. It is co-authored by York University researchers Jacqueline Chin and Leah Shapira.]

There are several articles that echo the same sentiments. “Worried About Money? Give Some Away,” and “Be Happy/ Too Busy to Fundraise,” present the argument that no fundraiser should do so abashedly. Giving to a charitable organization benefits the donor—it is a mutually beneficial gift. 

Interested? Donate now.