essay on the joy of giving

THE JOY OF GIVING: The more you give of yourself, the more you find of yourself

We all know how great it feels to receive gifts. However, the joy of getting is short-lived. Our lives are richer when we share, and that great inner joy comes from helping others to better their lives.

Truly giving from the heart fills your life with joy and nourishes your soul. Giving provides an intrinsic reward that’s far more valuable than the gift. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.”

Giving takes you out of yourself and allows you to expand beyond earthly limitations. True joy lies in the act of giving without an expectation of receiving something in return.

Academic research and thousands of years of human history confirm that achieving meaning, fulfillment, and happiness in life comes from making others happy, and not from being self-centred. Mother Teresa is a famous example. She found fulfillment in giving of herself to others. She helped change the expression on dying people’s faces from distress and fear to calmness and serenity. She made their undeniable pain a little easier to bear.

Adventure, Height, Climbing, Mountain, Peak, Summit

When people are asked why they give, the readiest answers include: God wants me to; I feel better about myself; others need, and I have; I want to share; it’s only right. The question I would ask is how did you feel? I imagine you felt very pleased with yourself and happy inside.

It has been my experience that when you’re focused on giving to others you’re less likely to become consumed by your own concerns and challenges. Giving provides an opportunity to look beyond our own world and see the bigger picture.

A great perspective can be achieved by stepping out of our own world and venturing into the world of other people. Your worries and challenges may not seem as significant when compared to other people’s situations.

The act of giving kindles self-esteem and brings happiness. Scientists have discovered that happiness is related to how much gratitude you show. After several years of soul searching, I discovered that my unhappiness was due to my want for things to fill the void of loneliness.

My search for inner happiness led me towards gratitude. During this process of self-realization, I also discovered “ The Purpose of Living.” Yes, I believe that giving thanks makes you happier. But don’t take my word for it—try it out for yourself.

The power of giving and the joy of helping others

Giving is one of the best investments you can make towards achieving genuine happiness. True giving comes from the heart, with no expectation of reciprocation. You’ll find that the more you give, the more you’ll receive.

Frog giving another frog flowers - The joy of giving

The power of giving is manifested in the kindness and generosity that you bestow on someone else. When you give to another unselfishly, the vibrational energy emitting from your subconscious is at its strongest. The power of giving, according to neuroscience, is that it feels good.

A Chinese proverb says: “If you always give, you will always have.” A famous American author and management expert, Ken Blanchard, declared “The more I give away, the more comes back.”

If you find yourself feeling unhappy, try making someone else happy and see what happens. If you’re feeling empty and unfulfilled, try doing some meaningful and worthwhile work and see how you feel. The catch is that you must do this work with passion and enthusiasm.

There are many organizations, institutions and people who are engaged in exemplary works of giving. Narayanan Krishnan is a management graduate from Madurai, India who gave up his career as chef with a five-star hotel when he saw a man so hungry that he was feeding on his own excreta. From there on Krishnan started his noble initiative to feed thousands of destitute and homeless people in his state—free of cost.

Another example of giving is Sanjit “Bunker” Roy, founder of the Barefoot College . Since graduating from college in 1965, Mr. Roy has committed his life to serve the poor and to help rural communities become self-sufficient. The Barefoot College education program encourages learning-by-doing, such as training grandmothers from Africa and the Himalayan region to be solar engineers so they could bring electricity to their remote villages.

It’s the joy and love that we extend to others that brings true happiness or union with God. When we give, we reap the joy of seeing a bright smile, laughter, tears of joy and gratitude for life . We know that if people give just a little more—of their time, skills, knowledge, wisdom, compassion, wealth and love—the world would be a more peaceful and healthier place.

The rewards of giving are priceless. If you want to have happiness, you need to give happiness. If you want love, you need to give love. It is only in giving that you receive. No matter what your circumstances in life, you have the ability to give.

I encourage you to look for opportunities where you can give and help others. The gift of joy will come to you when you give of yourself to others. That’s what life is all about. Let’s practice and commit our lives to giving joy. Try it! It works!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Christian Living
Christian News
Bible Study
Theology & Christian Education
Christian Fiction
Inspirational
Business & Marketplace
Health & Wellness
Video Channel
How it works

The Joy of Giving: Generosity as a Spiritual Practice

In a world often driven by self-interest and material gain, the practice of giving takes on a profound spiritual significance. Generosity, in its many forms, transcends mere material transactions and becomes a transformative act that nourishes the soul. Throughout various religious and spiritual traditions, the importance of giving is emphasized as a means of cultivating compassion, selflessness, and connection with others. In this article, we will explore the joy of giving, its significance as a spiritual practice, the benefits it brings, and practical ways to incorporate generosity into our lives.

I. Understanding Generosity

Generosity goes beyond the act of giving material possessions. It encompasses a spirit of open-heartedness, kindness, and sharing. True generosity arises from a place of abundance, recognizing that we have much to offer in terms of time, attention, resources, and love. It is a way of acknowledging our interconnectedness and affirming the inherent worth of every individual.

II. The Importance of Giving

Giving is an essential aspect of numerous religious and spiritual traditions. It is considered a moral and ethical duty, reflecting the divine attributes of compassion, love, and stewardship. By giving selflessly, we align ourselves with higher principles and contribute to the well-being of others and the world around us. Giving is not merely a transaction but a powerful act that shapes our character and spiritual growth.

III. The Benefits of Giving

When we engage in acts of giving, we experience a range of personal benefits. Generosity uplifts our spirits, creates a sense of purpose, and brings deep satisfaction and joy. Research has shown that giving activates neural pathways associated with reward and happiness, leading to improved well-being and overall life satisfaction. Giving also helps us develop empathy, gratitude, and a greater appreciation for the abundance in our lives.

IV. Giving and Connection

Generosity fosters connections and strengthens relationships. By giving our time, attention, and support, we build bridges of trust, compassion, and understanding. It deepens our sense of belonging and community as we recognize our shared humanity. Through giving, we create a ripple effect of positive energy that can inspire others to embrace generosity and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

V. Generosity and Gratitude

Giving and gratitude are interconnected practices. When we give selflessly, we cultivate gratitude for the abundance in our lives, recognizing that we have the capacity to make a positive difference. Conversely, gratitude enhances our generosity by opening our hearts and minds to the needs of others. This reciprocal relationship between giving and gratitude creates a virtuous cycle that nourishes both the giver and the recipient.

VI. Giving as a Spiritual Practice

Integrating giving into our spiritual practices deepens our connection to the divine and expands our capacity for compassion. It becomes a way of worshiping or expressing devotion to a higher power. Giving can be seen as an act of stewardship, recognizing that the resources we possess are entrusted to us to be shared for the greater good. By making giving a deliberate and conscious practice, we align ourselves with our spiritual values and cultivate a generous spirit.

VII. Overcoming Obstacles to Giving

While the practice of giving is transformative, it is not without its challenges. Self-centeredness, fear, and a scarcity mindset can hinder our ability to give freely. Overcoming these obstacles requires a shift in perspective, cultivating an abundance mindset, and developing a habit of selflessness. By examining our motivations and confronting any barriers, we can embrace a more generous way of living.

VIII. Cultivating a Generous Lifestyle

To incorporate generosity into our lives, we can start by adopting practical strategies. This includes identifying causes or organizations that resonate with our values and committing to regular financial contributions. Additionally, volunteering our time and skills, practicing random acts of kindness, and offering support to those in need are all meaningful ways to cultivate a generous lifestyle. By integrating generosity into our daily lives, we create a ripple effect of positivity and inspire others to join us in acts of giving.

IX. The Ripple Effect of Generosity

The impact of generosity extends far beyond the immediate recipients of our giving. Acts of generosity have a ripple effect that spreads outward, inspiring others to engage in similar acts of kindness and compassion. When we give selflessly, we become catalysts for positive change in our communities and society at large. By recognizing the interconnected nature of our actions, we understand that even the smallest act of generosity can have far-reaching consequences.

X. Generosity in Challenging Times

During times of crisis, the practice of giving becomes even more critical. It offers hope, healing, and resilience to individuals and communities. Generosity provides a lifeline for those facing adversity, enabling them to experience care, support, and a renewed sense of faith in humanity. In challenging times, the act of giving becomes a powerful statement of solidarity and a testament to the enduring human spirit.

The joy of giving goes beyond material exchange. It is a spiritual practice that enriches our lives, nurtures our souls, and strengthens our connections with others. By understanding the significance of generosity, embracing its transformative power, and cultivating a lifestyle of giving, we tap into the boundless joy that comes from selflessly sharing our time, resources, and love. May we all embrace the beauty of giving and become agents of love and compassion in the world.

Honor our Heroes

From Disappointment to Divine Appointment (HEiots.com)

Social Media

Discover the 10 benefits of faithfulness

Abounding in love, 10 things you should know about adam and eve, you should be ashamed of yourself, welcome back.

Remember Me

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Neuroscience

The Neuroscience of Giving

Proof that helping others helps you..

Posted April 24, 2014 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

The altruism center of the brain is considered a "deep brain structure," part of the primitive brain. We know when we see a child in trouble, our instincts kick in and we spring into action before we can even think.

Humans are social animals, so it is no surprise that we are wired to help one another. In our complex modern society, there are many ways to give and the good news is that we now understand that both the giver and receiver benefit from the relationship. Neuroscience has demonstrated that giving is a powerful pathway for creating more personal joy and improving overall health.

While the brain is remarkably complex, the neurochemical drivers of happiness are quite easy to identify. Dopamine , serotonin, and oxytocin make up the Happiness Trifecta . Any activity that increases the production of these neurochemicals will cause a boost in mood. It’s really that simple.

But the benefits don’t stop at moods! Serotonin is connected to sleep, digestion, memory , learning, and appetite . Dopamine is connected to motivation and arousal. Oxytocin “the cuddle hormone ” is among the most ancient of our neurochemicals and has a powerful effect on the brain and the body. When oxytocin begins to flow, blood pressure decreases and the foundation for sexual arousal is built. Bonding increases, social fears are reduced and trust and empathy are enhanced. Oxytocin is also an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain and enhances wound healing.

So if giving allows us to secrete all the chemicals at once, we owe it to ourselves to give as often as possible!

Helping others can take on many forms. Small repeated boosts of the Happiness Trifecta will produce the most benefit so find ways to give and to give often. Opening a door, helping a stranger change a tire, donating money or time, and giving advice are all wonderful ways to give. Anytime we step outside of ourselves long enough to help someone else, something wonderful is waiting for us when we return: the Happiness Trifecta neurochemicals are all boosted!

Helping others triggers impacts to our brain in many positive ways:

Empathy : There are structures in the brain that are dedicated to helping you see things from the perspectives of others, so these mental processes get some great exercise when you put yourself in the shoes of another person and try to give them what they need.

Mirror Neurons : Helping others is often a highly social activity, which creates a beautiful cycle of smiling. When you smile the whole world smiles with you because you are triggering their mirror neurons. Both the giver and the receiver can directly impact the other's brain in a positive way.

The Happiness Trifecta: Helping others triggers a release of oxytocin, which has the effect of boosting your mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol (the dreaded stress hormone). Interestingly, the higher your levels of oxytocin, the more you want to help others. When oxytocin is boosted, so are serotonin and dopamine!

When most people think of giving, they may have too narrow a focus. All giving works wonders, not just cash given once or twice a year. How can you help others? Is there a cause you support? A friend that needs help? A stranger that needs a random act of kindness? You should fill every day with small acts of giving, as this is an effective way to bring happiness to yourself and others. Even just smiling at someone is an act of giving and will brighten both of your days. Starbucks owes its extraordinary success not just to the addictive powers of caffeine, but also to the power of the smile. You can give one away multiple times a day at no cost, and in the process boost your mood and your health.

Don’t limit yourself to stock phrases. The next time you check out at the grocery store, try telling the person, “I hope everyone is nice to you today!” You’re almost guaranteed to get a smile. "Great to see you!" and "You did a good job on that project!” cost you nothing, yet everyone gains. Combine the words with a smile and you’ll boost your investment and your return.

So give, give often, and bask in the mental and physical effects of your actions.

Eva Ritvo, M.D. , is an internationally-known speaker, best-selling author, vitality expert, and psychiatrist with a practice in Miami Beach.

Find a Therapist
Find a Treatment Center
Find a Psychiatrist
Find a Support Group
Find Online Therapy
United States
Brooklyn, NY
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC
Asperger's
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Pain
Eating Disorders
Passive Aggression
Personality
Goal Setting
Positive Psychology
Stopping Smoking
Low Sexual Desire
Relationships
Child Development
Self Tests NEW
Therapy Center
Diagnosis Dictionary
Types of Therapy

At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

Emotional Intelligence
Gaslighting
Affective Forecasting

The Science Behind the Power of Giving (Op-Ed)

Jenny Santi is a philanthropy advisor to some of the world's most generous philanthropists and celebrity activists, and was the head of philanthropy services (Southeast Asia) for the world's largest wealth manager. A Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Santi is a frequent commentator on the topic and has been quoted in The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, on Channel NewsAsia, and on BBC World News. This essay builds on themes from her book " The Giving Way to Happiness: Stories and Science Behind the Transformative Power of Giving " (Penguin, 2015). The author contributed this article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights .

The morning of Dec. 26, 2004, Czech model Petra Nemcova, then age 25, and her fiancé, photographer Simon Atlee, 33, were vacationing in the resort town of Khao Lak, Thailand. They had met two years earlier on a photo shoot, and were living out a fairy tale long-distance romance. Nemcova lived in New York, while Atlee lived in London, and they were always traveling around the world, wherever their jobs took them. Nemcova planned the vacation in Thailand as a special surprise for Atlee, who had never been there. They had spent the first few days on a scuba-diving cruise, sleeping under the stars.

"It was just so, so beautiful. It's just strange how, in the split of a second, everything can change so much," said Petra.

That morning, one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history took place, triggering a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of the Indian Ocean. Nemcova and Atlee were in their bungalow when the first wave hit.

"I heard people screaming, and people running away. Everyone was so frantic," she said. Then, the water flooded their bungalow and pulled them outside in seconds. "Simon was screaming, 'Petra, Petra, what's going on?'" All the windows in the bungalow broke, and Nemcova was swept into a current of debris, breaking her pelvis and disabling her legs. She didn't know that after that moment, she would never see the love of her life again. "He again screamed, 'Petra, Petra.' It was the last time I saw him." The tsunami left a trail of destruction in 14 countries and killed more than 230,000 people — including Simon.

The next day Nemcova was transferred by helicopter to a hospital. Her pelvis was so badly fractured near her spine that doctors said it was a miracle she wasn't paralyzed; she had also lost half her blood from internal injuries that included a hematoma on her kidney. She spent the next few weeks recovering in a hospital in Thailand, and in her parents' home in the Czech Republic. But barely a year later, still recovering from her physical and emotional wounds, she returned to Thailand to see how she could help rebuild the lives of the children whose lives were impacted by the natural disaster, knowing that after the emergency response had been completed, they were soon to be forgotten.

The act of giving

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

We learn early on that it is better to give than to receive. We are taught to give and it feels good to help someone in need. But is there a deeper current to giving? What drives people such as Petra Nemcova to go back to the scene of devastation and help others (and eventually set up a foundation to help disaster victims) when it would have been far easier to stay in the comfort of her home and never return to Thailand? While it is gratifying to know that someone is benefiting from our help, there are times when we can't help asking ourselves, Why am I doing this?

"For it is in giving that we receive." ~Saint Francis of Assisi

"The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity." ~Leo Tolstoy

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." ~Winston Churchill

"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody." ~Chinese proverb

But while philosophers and saints wax poetic, is there any science and hard data that back up the idea that giving is good for the giver ? The resounding answer is yes.

Today, scientific research provides compelling data to support the notion that giving one's time, talents and treasures is a powerful pathway to finding purpose, transcending difficulties, and finding fulfillment and meaning in life.

Survival of the kindest

At the University of California, Berkeley, researchers are challenging long-held beliefs that human beings are hardwired to be selfish. There is a growing body of evidence that shows we are evolving to become more compassionate and collaborative in our quest to survive and thrive.

"Because of our very vulnerable offspring, the fundamental task for human survival and gene replication is to take care of others," said Dacher Keltner, co-director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. " Human beings have survived as a species because we have evolved the capacities to care for those in need and to cooperate."

Does this oppose Charles Darwin's "survival of the fittest" competition model, in which every man has to look after himself? Not so, it seems. In "The Descent of Man," Darwin talks about benevolence 99 times, concluding that love, sympathy and cooperation also exist in the natural world, like the way a pelican might provide fish for a blind pelican in its flock.

"As Darwin long ago surmised, sympathy is our strongest instinct," Keltner said.

Our brains are hardwired to serve

"You gotta see this!" Jorge Moll wrote in an e-mail. Moll and Jordan Grafman, neuroscientists at the National Institutes of Health, had been scanning the brains of volunteers as they were asked to think about a scenario involving either donating a sum of money to charity or keeping it for themselves. As Grafman read the email, Moll came bursting in. The scientists stared at each other. Grafman was thinking, "Whoa — wait a minute!"

Grafman led one of two studies in the mid-2000s that examined where in the brain the impulse to give originates, thereby shedding light on why it feels so good to help others. Both studies asked people to make donations to charities and looked at the resulting brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which creates images of the brain's activity by detecting physical changes such as blood flow resulting from the activity of neurons. The researchers also tied the results of these imaging experiments to the subjects' everyday behaviors by asking them about their involvement in charitable work, or about their general capacity for altruism.

Grafman was more interested in what happened when subjects donated or opposed donation at a cost to themselves. The study involved 19 people, each of whom had the potential to walk away with a pot of $128. They also were given a separate pool of funds, which they could choose to distribute to a variety of charities linked to controversial issues, such as abortion , euthanasia, nuclear power, war and the death penalty. A computer presented each charity to the subjects in a series and gave them the option to donate, to oppose donation, or to receive a payoff, adding money to the pot. Sometimes, the decision to donate or oppose was costly, calling for subjects to take money out of the pot. They gave an average of $51 from the pot and pocketed the rest.

It turned out that a similar pattern of brain activity was seen when subjects chose either to donate or to take a payoff. In either case, an area of the brain toward the forehead, known as the anterior prefrontal cortex, lit up. When Grafman and his team asked subjects to rate their charitable involvement in everyday life, he found that those with the highest ratings also had the highest level of activity in the prefrontal cortex.

The results demonstrated that when the volunteers placed the interests of others before their own, the generosity activated a primitive part of the brain that usually lights up in response to food or sex. Donating affects two brain "reward" systems working together: the midbrain VTA, which also is stimulated by food, sex, drugs and money; as well as the subgenual area, which is stimulated when humans see babies and romantic partners. [ 'The Giving Way to Happiness' (US, 2015): Book Excerpt ]

What is so startling about Grafman and Moll's 2006 study? In 1989, economist James Andreoni introduced the concept of "warm-glow giving," which attempts to explain why people give to charity. If our brains have evolved to maximize our own survival, why are we motivated to help others despite incurring personal costs? It's an ongoing question that baffles neuroscientists and evolutionists.

The economist's answer is that people engage in "impure altruism:" Instead of being motivated solely by an interest in the welfare of the recipients of their largesse, "warm-glow givers" receive utility from the act of giving. "Utility" is an important concept used by economists to measure the usefulness a consumer obtains from any object or circumstance (for example, how much one enjoys a movie, or the sense of security one gets from buying a deadbolt).

The utility in the case of giving is the warm glow — the positive emotional feeling people get from helping others. Moll said that their 2006 study "strongly supports the existence of ‘warm glow' at a biological level. It helps convince people that doing good can make them feel good; altruism therefore doesn't need to be only sacrifice."

Their experiment provided the first evidence that the "joy of giving" has a biological basis in the brain — surprisingly, one that is shared with selfish longings and rewards. Altruism, the experiment suggests, is not a superior moral faculty that suppresses basic selfish urges; rather, it is hard-wired in the brain and pleasurable.

Altruism: the miracle drug

The idea of altruism behaving like a miracle drug has been around for at least two decades. The euphoric feeling we experience when he help others is what researchers call the "helper's high," a term first introduced 20 years ago by volunteerism and wellness expert Allan Luks to explain the powerful physical sensation associated with helping others.

In a 1988 piece for Psychology Today, Luks looked at the physical effects of giving experienced by more than 1,700 women who volunteered regularly. The studies demonstrated that a full 50 percent of helpers reported feeling "high" when they helped others, while 43 percent felt stronger and more energetic.

As Harvard cardiologist Herbert Benson puts it, helping others is a door through which one can go to forget oneself and experience our natural hard-wired physical sensation. As the runner's high happens when a runner's endorphin levels rise, the helper's high happens when people perform good deeds for others. In other words, the helper's high is a classic example of nature's built-in reward system for those who help others.

But are there rewards, as well, when the act of helping is required and not voluntary?

A 2007 study by economists Bill Harbaugh and Daniel Burghart and psychologist Ulrich Mayr, all from the University of Oregon, explored the differences in brain activity when donations were voluntary or mandatory. They gave each subject $100 and told them that nobody would know how much of it they chose to keep or give away, not even the researchers who enlisted them in the experiment and scanned their brains. Payoffs were recorded on a portable memory drive that the subjects took to a lab assistant, who then paid the subjects in cash and mailed donations to charity without knowing who had given what.

The brain responses were measured by an fMRI as a series of transactions occurred. Sometimes the subjects had to choose whether to donate some of their cash to a local food bank. Sometimes a tax was levied that sent their money to the food bank without their approval. Sometimes they received extra money, and sometimes the food bank received money without any of it coming from them.

If you're a topical expert — researcher, business leader, author or innovator — and would like to contribute an op-ed piece, email us here.

Sure enough, when the typical subject chose to donate to the food bank, he was rewarded with that "warm glow." The areas of the brain that release the pleasure chemical dopamine unexpectedly lit up (the caudate, nucleus accumbens and insula) — the same areas that respond when you eat a dessert or receive money.

Surprisingly, when the subject was forced to pay a tax to the food bank, these pleasure centers were also activated — albeit not as much. Consistent with pure altruism, the experiment found that even mandatory, taxlike transfers to a charity elicit neural activity in areas linked to reward processing. Even when it was mandatory for subjects to donate, the pleasurable response persisted, though it wasn't as strong as when people got to choose whether or not to donate.

Healing the wounded healer

Whether one is fighting an addiction or dealing with a debilitating disease, people connect more with someone who has been through similar situations. In one study, people with multiple sclerosis were trained to provide support over the telephone for 15 minutes a month to a fellow person with multiple sclerosis. The helpers proved to be more self-confident, had better self-esteem, and displayed less depression. In a similar study, people with chronic pain who counseled those with similar conditions experienced a drop in their own symptoms of pain — and depression.

In a study of alcoholics going through the Alcoholics Anonymous program, those who helped others were nearly twice as likely to stay sober a year later, and their levels of depression were lower, too. Experts call this the "wounded healer" principle. Helping has a tremendous benefit for those who need it, and for the helpers themselves.

There was no fMRI scan to prove it, but I knew when I met Petra Nemcova that she was the picture of pure happiness — skin glowing, eyes twinkling as she smiled. Barely a year after the tsunami, and still recovering from her physical and emotional wounds, she set up the Happy Hearts Fund with the vision of rebuilding schools and the lives of young victims of natural disasters, and overcoming her grief in the process.

By giving, she said, "you can heal faster emotionally, but also physically. There's a selfish element in it, really. When we make someone happy, we become even happier. If you decide yourself that you will help in some way, you will benefit the most because it will create amazing joy. Those who are not doing anything are missing out on a very profound joy."

Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates — and become part of the discussion — on Facebook , Twitter and Google+ . The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science.

30,000 years of history reveals that hard times boost human societies' resilience

'We're meeting people where they are': Graphic novels can help boost diversity in STEM, says MIT's Ritu Raman

Google's AI tells users to add glue to their pizza, eat rocks and make chlorine gas

Essay About Giving And Sharing: The Joy of Generosity Explored

Aurora Simon

Welcome to our essay about giving and sharing. In this article, we will explore the joy that comes from giving and sharing, and the positive impact it has on both the giver and the receiver. Giving and sharing are essential human virtues that have been practiced for centuries and play a vital role in building strong relationships and communities.

Table of Contents

Through our discussion, we hope to highlight the importance of generosity and inspire more people to incorporate giving and sharing into their lives. So, let’s dive in and explore the many benefits of this powerful act.

Examples of Giving and Sharing Essays Online Free

Here are some example essays to give you an idea of where to start. As time goes on, I will make updates to this section.

Importance of Giving and Sharing

Giving and sharing bring about a multitude of benefits that positively impact our lives in countless ways. These actions enhance our well-being and improve our relationships with others. Let’s examine some of the benefits that come with giving and sharing.

By incorporating giving and sharing into our lives, we create a positive impact on ourselves and those around us. These actions not only benefit us personally but also have a broader impact on society as a whole.

Impact of Giving and Sharing

When we give and share, we not only impact ourselves and those we directly help, but we also have a positive impact on the community as a whole. By promoting giving and sharing, we can create a culture of generosity that spreads kindness and compassion.

There are many reasons why promoting giving and sharing is important. For one, it fosters a sense of community and togetherness. When we give and share, we show that we care about others and their wellbeing. This creates a sense of connection and belonging that can bring people together and strengthen relationships.

Additionally, giving and sharing can have a ripple effect. When we give to someone, that person may be more likely to give to someone else in the future. This can create a chain reaction of kindness that spreads far beyond our immediate community.

Finally, giving and sharing can also help to address societal issues and inequalities. By donating to charities or volunteering our time, we can support causes that aim to help those who may be struggling or marginalized. This can help to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Fostering a Culture of Giving and Sharing

Encouraging a culture of giving and sharing can have a powerful impact on both individuals and society as a whole. Here are some practical ways to promote these values in your community:

Lead by Example

One of the most effective ways to foster a culture of giving and sharing is to lead by example. Show others how much joy and fulfillment can come from generosity by volunteering your time or resources and sharing your experiences with others.

Promote Volunteerism

Encourage others to get involved in volunteer work by promoting local organizations and events. Highlight the benefits of volunteering, such as the opportunity to make a positive impact, gain new skills, and meet like-minded people.

Start a Sharing Community

Consider starting a sharing community in your neighborhood or workplace, where members can share resources and talents with each other. This can include everything from sharing garden produce to offering to teach a skill or trade.

Create a Giving Circle

A giving circle is a group of individuals who come together to pool their resources and collectively donate to a particular cause or organization. This can be a great way to make a bigger impact and build community at the same time.

Support Local Businesses

Supporting local businesses is a great way to give back to your community and stimulate the local economy. Look for opportunities to shop at local stores, restaurants, and other establishments, and spread the word about your favorites.

By promoting a culture of giving and sharing, we can create a more compassionate and connected society. Start with small actions and watch as they grow into a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

How Giving Back Can Improve Your Social Life

Teaching Children about Giving and Sharing

Teaching children about giving and sharing is essential in developing their social skills and empathy towards others. Children who are taught to be generous and empathetic at a young age grow up to be more caring and compassionate individuals in their adult life.

There are various ways to incorporate giving and sharing values into children’s upbringing:

Lead by Example: Children learn best by observation. When parents engage in acts of kindness and generosity, it sets a positive example for children to follow.
Volunteer Together: Volunteering together as a family is a great way to teach children about the importance of giving and sharing. It also provides an opportunity for families to bond over a shared experience.
Encourage Sharing: Encouraging children to share their toys and belongings with others teaches them about the importance of giving and sharing.

Teaching Empathy

Teaching empathy is another essential aspect of developing generosity and compassion in children. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Children who learn empathy at a young age tend to exhibit greater kindness and generosity towards others.

Parents can teach empathy by:

Encouraging children to express their emotions and feelings
Listening to and acknowledging children’s emotions and feelings
Encouraging children to identify and express their understanding of other people’s emotions and feelings

Teaching children about giving and sharing at a young age sets them up for a lifetime of being compassionate and generous towards others. As parents, it is important to instill these values in children and encourage them to use their generosity to make the world a better place.

The Joy of Giving

While giving and sharing may have positive impacts on others, it also brings personal fulfillment to the giver. The joy of giving cannot be understated, as it provides a sense of purpose and happiness that is difficult to replicate in other ways.

When we give to others, it creates a sense of connection and empathy that is hard to find in other areas of our lives. It’s an opportunity to put our own worries aside and focus on the needs of others, which can be incredibly rewarding.

Whether it’s a small gesture like buying a cup of coffee for a coworker, or a larger donation to a charity, the act of giving provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It reminds us that we have the power to make a positive impact on the world around us, and that is a truly powerful feeling.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

The joy of giving can also extend beyond just the act itself. When we give to others, it can inspire them to do the same for someone else. It creates a ripple effect of kindness that can spread far beyond our initial action.

In short, giving is not only good for the receiver, but for the giver as well. It provides a sense of purpose, happiness, and personal fulfillment that is hard to find elsewhere. So next time you have the opportunity to give or share, remember the joy it can bring.

The Joy of Giving, man volunteering his time

The Power of Sharing

Sharing is a powerful act that can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. It shows empathy, compassion, and generosity, and can create a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond the initial act. Here are some reasons why sharing is so important:

It builds trust and strengthens relationships: When we share with others, we show that we trust and care about them. This can help to build stronger, more meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and support.
It promotes a sense of community: Sharing can bring people together by fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness. It helps us to recognize that we are all part of a larger community and that we have a responsibility to care for one another.
It encourages reciprocity: Sharing can often lead to a cycle of giving and receiving. When we share with others, they are more likely to share with us in return, creating a culture of generosity and mutual support.

Overall, sharing is a powerful way to create positive change in the world. By showing compassion and generosity towards others, we can help to build a stronger, more connected community and create a ripple effect of kindness that extends far beyond ourselves.

Giving and Sharing in the Workplace

Giving and sharing are not only reserved for personal relationships and community involvement. They can also have a powerful impact in the workplace.

When employees are encouraged to give and share, it can lead to improved team building and a stronger sense of community within the company. Giving back to the community as a team can also boost employee morale and engagement.

One way to foster a culture of giving in the workplace is to offer volunteer opportunities for employees to participate in. This can be anything from a company-sponsored volunteer day to offering time off for employees to volunteer at their preferred organization.

Another way to encourage giving and sharing in the workplace is to lead by example. When leaders show their commitment to giving back to the community, it can inspire employees to do the same.

Finally, companies can promote a culture of giving and sharing by incorporating charitable initiatives into their business model. For example, a company can donate a portion of their profits to a chosen charity or offer a matching program for employee donations.

By promoting giving and sharing in the workplace, companies can not only make a positive impact in their community but also improve employee satisfaction and foster a strong sense of teamwork.

Giving and Sharing During Difficult Times

During difficult times, giving and sharing can be a powerful way to connect with others and create a sense of empathy and support. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a personal loss, or a global crisis, giving and sharing can help bring people together and provide hope and comfort.

One way to give during difficult times is to donate to organizations that are working to provide assistance and support. This can include charities that provide food, shelter, and medical care, as well as organizations that focus on mental health and emotional support.

Sharing resources and support with friends and family can also be an effective way to give during difficult times. This can include offering to help with practical tasks, such as grocery shopping or childcare, as well as providing emotional support and a listening ear.

“Giving to others can help us focus on something beyond our own struggles and find meaning and purpose in difficult times.” – Dr. Emma Seppala

By giving and sharing during difficult times, we not only help those in need, but we also foster a sense of community and connection that can bring us closer together and help us navigate challenging situations with greater resilience and strength.

Impact of Technology on Giving and Sharing

The rise of technology has significantly impacted the way we give and share. Online giving, crowdfunding, and social media have all contributed to the increased ease and convenience of donating to charities and causes important to us.

One of the benefits of online giving is that it allows people to easily donate to their favorite causes from the comfort of their own homes. This can be especially helpful for those with busy schedules or mobility issues. Additionally, online giving platforms often have lower overhead costs, meaning that more of the donations can go directly to the cause instead of administrative expenses.

Crowdfunding has also become a popular way to support specific individuals or projects. With crowdfunding, individuals can create a campaign to raise money for a specific need or cause, and share the campaign on social media to reach a wider audience. This has been particularly useful for medical expenses, education costs, and disaster relief efforts.

The Power of Social Media

Social media has become a powerful tool for sharing information and promoting causes. Nonprofits and charities can use social media to share their mission and accomplishments, as well as to fundraise and attract volunteers. Social media has also made it easier for individuals to share information about causes they care about and to gather support from their network.

One notable example of the power of social media is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which went viral on social media in 2014 and raised over $115 million for ALS research. The challenge involved individuals dumping a bucket of ice water on their heads, posting a video of it on social media, and challenging others to do the same or donate to the ALS Association.

Technology for Good

Technology has also led to the development of innovative ways to give back. For example, some apps allow users to donate to their favorite charities or causes simply by shopping at participating stores. In addition, many companies now offer employee giving programs, where employees can donate to charities of their choice directly from their paychecks.

The Future of Giving and Sharing

As technology continues to evolve, there will likely be even more ways to give and share. From virtual reality experiences that allow donors to see the impact of their donations firsthand to new social platforms that connect volunteers with causes, the possibilities are endless. However, it is important to remember that technology should not be a replacement for personal connections and relationships. Giving and sharing are ultimately about making a positive impact on others, and technology should be used as a tool to further that goal.

FAQ on Essay About Giving And Sharing

Q: Why is giving and sharing important?

A: Giving and sharing fosters a sense of community and creates positive relationships. It can also lead to greater happiness and personal fulfillment.

Q: What are some benefits of giving and sharing?

A: Giving and sharing can reduce stress, improve relationships, and create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It can also have a positive impact on the community as a whole.

Q: How can I encourage a culture of giving and sharing?

A: Leading by example and promoting volunteerism are great ways to encourage giving and sharing. You can also organize community giving events and support local charities.

Q: How can I teach my children about the importance of giving and sharing?

A: Encouraging your children to volunteer, donating to charity and modeling the behavior yourself are great ways to teach children about giving and sharing.

Q: What is the joy of giving?

A: The joy of giving is the personal fulfillment that comes from helping others without expectation of reward or recognition.

Q: How can giving and sharing benefit the workplace?

A: Giving and sharing can improve team building and create a positive company culture. It can also boost employee morale and productivity.

Q: How can giving and sharing create empathy during difficult times?

A: Giving and sharing can create a sense of connection with others, bringing people together in times of need and fostering empathy and understanding.

Q: How has technology impacted giving and sharing?

A: Technology has made it easier to give and share, with online giving platforms and other innovative ways to contribute to charitable causes.

Q: What are some simple ways to give and share?

A: Donating to charity, volunteering your time, and sharing your skills and resources are all great ways to give and share with others.

About the author

With an enduring passion for human potential, I have dedicated my life to learning, growing, and most importantly, empowering others to discover their own unique paths to self-improvement. As a personal development blogger, I distill the wisdom gathered from various life experiences, books, seminars, and thought leaders to provide you with actionable insights and tools for your own growth. I believe that each one of us is capable of extraordinary things, and my mission is to help you unlock that potential. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and together let’s cultivate a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy. You can contact us here.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Latest posts

Giving Back To The Community Business: Make an Impact Today

Businesses have a powerful role to play in creating positive social impact and making a difference in their communities. Giving back to the community has become an essential part of corporate social responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental causes beyond traditional business operations. Community involvement, social responsibility, and corporate philanthropy have become key…

Giving Back: Inspiring Articles On Giving Back to The Community

Community involvement is a powerful force that can create positive change in the world. Today, I have included inspiring articles on giving back to the community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating to a charity, or simply taking the time to be kind to others, there are countless ways individuals can give…

Inspirational Quotes About the Importance of Giving Back

Giving back is a concept that has been around for centuries. The quotes about importance of giving back cannot be matched by material possessions. Below are some inspirational quotes about the importance of giving back that showcase the power of generosity and kindness: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank “As…

Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

Five Ways Giving Is Good for You

Holiday shopping can be terrifying, yes. But research suggests it’s worth it: New studies attest to the benefits of giving—not just for the recipients but for the givers’ health and happiness, and for the strength of entire communities.

Of course, you don’t have to shop to reap the benefits of giving. Research suggests the same benefits come from donating to charities or volunteering your time, like at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. Here are some of the ways that giving is good for you and your community.

1. Giving makes us feel happy. A 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted participants’ happiness more that spending it on themselves (despite participants’ prediction that spending on themselves would make them happier). Happiness expert Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, saw similar results when she asked people to perform five acts of kindness each week for six weeks.

These good feelings are reflected in our biology. In a 2006 study, Jorge Moll and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”

2. Giving is good for our health. A wide range of research has linked different forms of generosity to better health, even among the sick and elderly. In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People , Stephen Post, a professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, reports that giving to others has been shown to increase health benefits in people with chronic illness, including HIV and multiple sclerosis.

A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking. Stephanie Brown of the University of Michigan saw similar results in a 2003 study on elderly couples. She and her colleagues found that those individuals who provided practical help to friends, relatives, or neighbors, or gave emotional support to their spouses, had a lower risk of dying over a five-year period than those who didn’t. Interestingly, receiving help wasn’t linked to a reduced death risk.

Researchers suggest that one reason giving may improve physical health and longevity is that it helps decrease stress, which is associated with a variety of health problems. In a 2006 study by Rachel Piferi of Johns Hopkins University and Kathleen Lawler of the University of Tennessee, people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than participants who didn’t, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves.

3. Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. When you give, you’re more likely to get back: Several studies, including work by sociologists Brent Simpson and Robb Willer, have suggested that when you give to others, your generosity is likely to be rewarded by others down the line—sometimes by the person you gave to, sometimes by someone else.

These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our ties to others—and research has shown that having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical health. As researcher John Cacioppo writes in his book Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection , “The more extensive the reciprocal altruism born of social connection . . . the greater the advance toward health, wealth, and happiness.”

What’s more, when we give to others, we don’t only make them feel closer to us; we also feel closer to them. “Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably,” writes Lyubomirsky in her book The How of Happiness , and this “fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community.”

4. Giving evokes gratitude. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude—it can be a way of expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the recipient. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds.

Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, co-directors of the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, found that teaching college students to “count their blessings” and cultivate gratitude caused them to exercise more, be more optimistic, and feel better about their lives overall. A recent study led by Nathaniel Lambert at Florida State University found that expressing gratitude to a close friend or romantic partner strengthens our sense of connection to that person.

Barbara Fredrickson, a pioneering happiness researcher, suggests that cultivating gratitude in everyday life is one of the keys to increasing personal happiness. “When you express your gratitude in words or actions, you not only boost your own positivity but [other people’s] as well,” she writes in her book Positivity . “And in the process you reinforce their kindness and strengthen your bond to one another.”

5. Giving is contagious. When we give, we don’t only help the immediate recipient of our gift. We also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community.

A study by James Fowler of the University of California, San Diego, and Nicholas Christakis of Harvard, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science , shows that when one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generously later, toward different people. In fact, the researchers found that altruism could spread by three degrees—from person to person to person to person. “As a result,” they write, “each person in a network can influence dozens or even hundreds of people, some of whom [they do] not know and [have] not met.” ] Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone (also released during sex and breast feeding) that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others. In laboratory studies, Paul Zak, the director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, has found that a dose of oxytocin will cause people to give more generously and to feel more empathy towards others, with “symptoms” lasting up to two hours. And those people on an “oxytocin high” can potentially jumpstart a “virtuous circle, where one person’s generous behavior triggers another’s,” says Zak.

So whether you buy gifts, volunteer your time, or donate money to charity this holiday season, your giving is much more than just a year-end chore. It may help you build stronger social connections and even jumpstart a cascade of generosity through your community. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself benefiting from a big dose of happiness in the process.

About the Authors

Jill Suttie

Jill Suttie, Psy.D. , is Greater Good ’s former book review editor and now serves as a staff writer and contributing editor for the magazine. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good .

Jason Marsh

Jason Marsh is the executive director of the Greater Good Science Center and the editor in chief of Greater Good .

You May Also Enjoy

The Helper’s High

What Seniors Get from Giving Back

What We Get When We Give

The Activism Cure

Another Reason to Volunteer

6 Simple Practices to Handle Holiday Stress

This is a thoughtful entry. I’m used to hearing that giving makes you happy and that it is healthy, but there are many other benefits.

In fact, giving is so good for us that I can think of several other benefits right off the bat: Giving can actually alleviate minor mental illness. Certain forms of it, like formal volunteering, can help you create a winning resume or application for something. Giving can result in personal growth. Giving can help you be a good role model to the young people in your life. And most importantly, giving makes the world a better place for us all to live in. If everyone did their part, maybe we could all reduce the amount of crime, violence, prejudice, and suffering.

Amanda | 5:38 am, January 8, 2011 | Link

“Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone (also released during sex and breast feeding) that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others. “

I love it! I am forwarding this article to my husby to answer his complains on not enough sex. He is not giving me enough!

Club Wear | 10:41 pm, January 10, 2011 | Link

Wow. I’m really glad I found this article and this site. I’ve been looking for some solid research on why we should give and encourage the act of giving and this site is excellent.

“A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking.”

I would love to get this into the minds of general society. How often do we hear about driven people who work all their lives, but quickly die once they retire?

Perhaps engaging voluntary work would not only benefit others, but also prolong the life of the volunteer.

Darren | 12:09 am, August 7, 2011 | Link

I’m a millionaire and I often help my employees during financial hardship. I prefer to spend on others rather than myself.

Mike | 1:28 pm, January 16, 2013 | Link

Find answers to your personal dilemmas.

Rediscovering the joy of giving – from self-love to selfless love.

April 26, 2019
Essays 2019 , Finalists , Winning Essays

Introduction

Have you ever tried to give, expecting to feel good about your kindness, and come out completely drained?

From physical to emotional to spiritual, we all give in our everyday lives. Physically, we’ve cooked meals for new mothers and helped new couples set up their apartments. Emotionally, we’ve visited lonely seniors and listened to friends going through crises. Spiritually, we’ve advised and learned with others, or provided for their mitzvah needs.

Sometimes, giving feels wonderful and worthwhile. Other times, it’s just plain difficult! Maybe the recipient didn’t express enough gratitude or wasn’t satisfied no matter how hard you tried; maybe the item you generously loaned was returned in stained condition. Giving can make you feel like a tank of gas which can reach empty, rather than a flame which doesn’t diminishes when it transfers fire to other candles. How can we become more like a flame and less like a tank of gas? How can we rediscover the joy of giving?

What We’ll Explore

To answer this question, I will first review three sources to understand the basics of giving and loving in the Torah, why these terms are synonymous, and why giving can be difficult. Next, I will examine the importance of self-care when caring for others from two angles: the view of psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the view of Chassidus on how we can love ourselves and use that to springboard to love others . Finally, I will introduce a practical three-step process to bring back the joy of giving based on a quote from Hillel in Pirkei Avos.

The Basis of Giving: Chesed, Ahavas Yisroel and Some Challenges they Present

What are the basics of giving and loving in Judaism, and why do they go hand in hand?

Chassidus often compares Chesed and Gevura, the first two middos (of the seven emotional traits by which the world is run). Chesed, is often translated as lovingkindness as opposed to Gevura, severity and limitation. The Alter Rebbe (the first Rebbe of Lubavitch) explains in the Book of Tanya that all Jewish souls are rooted in one of these two middos:

“Among those who serve Hashem…there are two distinct kinds and levels, depending on the root of their souls above, in the categories of the “right”, Chesed, and the “left”, Gevurah” (1).

Chesed’s expansive ways of giving and Gevura’s disciplined ways are like the “flame” and the “gas tank”, respectively. But whether you are a “Chesed” or a “Gevura”, your individual limitations of Chesed might make it hard to give. Everyone can run out of fuel – fire or gas!

A second explanation of Chesed, from HaYom Yom, 26 Shevat, deepens these ideas:

“In the Holy Tongue, the word for love — ahavah (אהבה) — includes the Aramaic word hav (הב), which means “Give!” Loving, which springs from the midda of Chesed, is not so much receiving, as giving…making unsung sacrifices for others” (2). But unsung giving doesn’t always feel rewarding! We may not receive anything from it, even a thank-you.

The original source for loving your fellow Jew, Ahavas Yisroel, is in Parshas Kedoshim:

“Ve’ahavta Lereiacha Kamocha” – “Love your fellow as yourself” (3). The Talmudic leader Rabbi Akiva says: “[this] is the main commandment in the Torah” .

If we replace the word “love” with the synonymous “give”, the idea becomes, “ Give to your fellow as yourself.”

Saying this passuk is like saying “I love chocolate as I love ice cream.” If I love chocolate as much as I love ice cream, basic logic states that I must love ice cream automatically and prior to loving chocolate . The same goes for the mitzvah. If I am to love/give to my fellow, I have to love myself automatically and prior to loving and giving to others . But what if I don’t?

What about Self-Love?

This poses a bigger problem to giving, beyond having limits to the “flame” in our personalities or not being recognized for the good we do. Ahavas Yisroel seems to assume that we automatically have strong self-love and self care. How else can be a point of relativity for loving others? Let’s examine this problem from both a secular and a Jewish viewpoint to get some clarity.

A Secular Viewpoint: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

As is also mentioned in the explanation of HaYom Yom, 26 Shevat:

“Every society in the world praises the value of love…Nevertheless, too often, the secular ideal of love also puts an emphasis on being loved, or at least, on receiving reciprocation for the love one gives” (2).

Psychologist Abraham Maslow gives us an interesting perspective on both the ideas of self-care and giving to others in his Hierarchy of Needs, which are as follows:

Physiological : Food, water, warmth, rest
Safety : Security, stability
Belongingness and Love: relationships, friends, sense of belonging
Esteem : Feelings of accomplishment, self-esteem
Self-Actualization : Achieving potential, beauty, individuality, goodness, truth (which may include reaching out to others)

Saul McLeod explains Maslow’s theory on the website Simply Psychology, based on Maslow’s collected works, starting with A Theory of Human Motivation, (1943).

Maslow’s theory stresses that the four basic “being needs” have to be met from Physiological on in order to accomplish the ultimate “growth” need of Self-Actualization .

“Individuals must satisfy lower level deficit needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth needs…[Maslow believes that] only two percent of people would reach the state of self-actualization …[which] refers to the person’s desire for self-fulfillment…[it] will of course vary greatly from person to person. In one individual it may take the form of the desire to be an ideal mother, in another it may be expressed athletically, and in still another it may be expressed in painting pictures or in inventions’ (Maslow, 1943, p. 382–383). ” (4).

While Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a valuable resource for understanding and prioritizing our needs, the entire methodology is self-centered. Meeting one’s needs is not a means to an end in Maslow’s view; it is the end. The Hierarchy only includes giving as an optional part of Self-actualization. Sports or art are just as worthwhile if that’s how one decides to fulfill his “growth” needs. Furthermore, self-actualization is, according to Maslow, only attainable to “two percent of people”. If so few people will actually reach the last level of self-actualization and decide that giving is part of actualization , how will there ever be enough givers in the world? There is nothing in the Maslow’s Hierarchy that definitively suggests making room for others in your life.

What Chassidus Says About Self-Care and Loving Others

The Chassidus perspective not only fills in the gaps of this secular methodology, it gives us a full picture to rediscovering the joy of giving. We will look at five sources from the Lubavitcher Rabbeim, which show us how to go from self-love to selfless love. As a popular saying points out, “One cannot philosophize [i.e.: do good] on an empty stomach”. Self-care and self-love are a means to an end. They show us how to “eat” so that we can “philosophize”.

3 Sources on the Importance of Self-Care Before Selfless Love

Our first three sources will discuss the importance meeting our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in order to fulfill our missions in this world, including Ahavas Yisroel. The first is related in HaYom Yom, 10 Shevat. At age eighteen, Rebbetzin Rivkah, the grandmother of the Rebbe Rayatz (sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe), got sick. The doctor told her to eat immediately in the morning. She therefore davened early, before breakfast. Her father-in-law, the Tzemach Tzedek (third Lubavitcher Rebbe), told her: ‘…Regarding mitzvos, the Torah says: “Live in them,” meaning, one should bring vitality into his performance of the mitzvos…be strong and joyful. Better to eat for the sake of davening than to daven for the sake of eating’“ (5). We see that our own self-care in both physical and emotional stamina is vital before we move on to any mitzvah, Ahavas Yisroel included.

Our second source, a letter from the Rebbe to a teacher, strengthens this point. A discouraged teacher once wrote to the Rebbe. The Rebbe responded “…the Alter Rebbe has stated most emphatically in the laws of learning and teaching Torah that a person who is engaged in teaching children should especially take care of his health since it directly affects the success of the work. I trust, therefore, that you are looking after yourself in matters of diet and rest, etc., and that you will always be in a state of cheerfulness and gladness” (6).

A teacher is one of the biggest givers of all. Shouldn’t they be selflessly focusing on their students? What does eating a good lunch or taking a work break have to do with it? However, the Rebbe, like the Tzemach Tzedek, refers to both physical and emotional care in order to be a giver: “diet, rest, cheerfulness and gladness”.

But what of spiritual self-care? Our third source covers this point. The fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab, was staying at the health spa in Wirtzburg, Germany. A group of chassidim, including Reb Yosef Yuzik Horowitz, came to visit for Shabbos. Reb Yosef Yuzik asked what it means to be a chassid, a “lamplighter.”

“First, you must reject the evil within yourself. Start with yourself, cleanse yourself, refine yourself, and you will see the lamp within your fellow. When a person is himself coarse, G‑d forbid, he sees coarseness; when a person is himself refined, he sees the refinement in others” (7). According to this, we know that we must work on our spiritual self-care as well as our physical and emotional health prior to reaching out to others. By keeping this in mind, our self-care not only allows us to accomplish the Ahavas Yisroel in our service of Hashem, the self-care also becomes holy as we focus it for the good, fulfill our missions, and bring Moshiach, bimheira biyamenu, Amen!

2 Sources on How and Why We Can Care for Others

Our next two sources address the theories of how and why we can care and love for others, even if we find them very different from us or unpleasant to deal with. Firstly is the famous chapter of Tanya on Ahavas Yisroel: Lamed Beis. The Alter Rebbe explains how to achieve the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisroel:

“…to view one’s body with scorn and contempt and to find joy in the joy of the soul alone – is a direct and easy path toward fulfilling the mitzvah, ‘You shall love your fellow as yourself,’ with regard to every Jew, both great and small…they are all equal, they all have one father…all of Israel are called brothers…only the bodies are distinct from each other” (8). From here we see how and why we can achieve true Ahavas Yisroel — focus on the soul-unity of the Jewish people rather than outer differences. We can also relate what the Alter Rebbe says to our own self-love. If each Jew’s ability to be loved is soul-based, then we are all inherently lovable.

Our next source also explains how to equalize the way we deal with others and ourselves in order to achieve Ahavas Yisroel. In his Maamer Ahavas Yisroel, the Tzemach Tzedek describes self-love as self-exoneration and explains that we must apply this concept to our dealings with others: “[The Talmudic statement that] A person sees no flaw within himself does not mean that a person is completely unaware of his shortcomings. On the contrary, he may be aware of and comprehend the depths of his deficiency even more than another person…The meaning, then, is that…his great self-love covers all his shortcomings…let your love for [your fellow Jew] be so great that it covers his flaw…” (9). We can work on this self-love and forgive our shortcomings, as long as we don’t forget to work on them, and we can apply that forgiveness to the shortcomings of our fellow Jews.

None of these five concepts are only possible for two percent of the population, as Maslow would indicate! We see that we can all take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually so that we will be able to “lamplight”, do Chesed and love others. These quotes were not directed to the elite of the population only! The Alter Rebbe’s explanation in Perek Lamed Beis of Tanya says that the method of focusing on our souls is a “direct and easy path” to loving others! The Tzemach Tzedek refers to people with flaws, not tzaddikim, when he discusses how to have Ahavas Yisroel.

Practical Applications for Rediscovering the Joy of Giving

Now that we know we are all able to love and care for ourselves and others, how can this be accomplished on a day-to-day level? I propose a three-step process. I have developed this based on thoughts on Hillel’s sayings in Pirkei Avos, 1:14. Hillel asks three consecutive questions: “If I am not for myself, who is for me? And when I am for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” (10). I will explain that Hillel is describing a three-step process which I have named: Self Care, Refine Your Self-Care, and Give Proactively. They can be broken down as such:

A) “If I am not for myself, who is for me?”: Self-Care: Even though a person can get a lot from family and friends, ultimately, you are the only one who can make sure that you get everything you need — all the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy, from food and rest to love and acceptance. No one else can make you eat healthily or make sure that you do not overload your schedule. As we saw from the Tzemach Tzedek’s advice about eating, the Rebbe’s letter to a teacher, and the Rashab’s response to “What is a Chassid”, self-care encompasses all three points of the triad: Physical , Emotional and Spiritual .

medical needs
quiet time or time with people as needed; pleasurable sensations that involve the five senses: tastes, scents, driving or walking by a nice view or your favorite street, hot or cold showers or baths, massages
Developing hobbies
Doing those things that give your life a sense of greater purpose.
Connecting to Hashem through prayer
Immersing oneself in Torah
Adding in bits of extra learning beyond what you would normally do.
Buying things that help you in your service of Hashem: holy books, candles, or Judaica

B) “And when I am for myself, what am I?” – Refine Your Self-Care:

When I am giving to myself, what am I? How am I going about it? Is it L’shem shamayim, so that I can fulfill my mission and ultimately give to others? The thing to remember with all self-care is that it is a means to an end – that of being a healthy person to do the Will of Hashem as best as we can and love our fellow-creatures.
Is your self-care in proper amounts? Are you eating, relaxing, or spending too much in the name of self-care?
Put your needs in a holy context. Nice clothing and good food can be used to beautify Shabbos. Sefarim and notebooks promote your Torah study or Cheshbonei Hanefesh (Self accounting). Hobbies can help you express kedusha, or help you to relax so that you can do more mitzvos. This achievement of self-care in the correct context brings us to our ultimate goal of the third step – being able to give proactively in order rediscover the joy of giving.

C) “And If Not Now, When?” Give Proactively: Finally, when one has mastered the correct way to provide for himself, he should apply the following active attitude towards giving to others: “If not now, when?” Like the Latin “carpe diem” – “Seize the day!” Don’t wait for tomorrow! Once you have carved out a space in your life for proper self-care, you can breathe more easily and think about how to give to others. Some practical solutions to giving to others are:

What can you give? Finances? Time? Advice? Muscles? Meals? Use your talents – help decorate for a simcha, teach someone a skill you are interested in, play sports with kids who need extra attention.
Learn more about yourself and try harder, pushing your limits whenever you can.
Run errands for others
Have guests
Insert little bits of kindness – share recipes and advice. Give smiles, thank yous, and hugs. Hold doors. A little goes a long way!
Any kind of shlichus, teaching Torah, or small or large inspiration to others
Know your limits. It’s okay to say no – and yes!
As a letter from the Rebbe explains to a sick person: “…We must be firm in our bitachon in Hashem that in time He will grant us healing for our ailments. And until that time, we still remain part of Hashem’s world and His emissaries…” (11).

Some Final Thoughts

The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidus, is known to have said: “It is worthwhile for the soul to descend into this world to live within a physical body for seventy or eighty years, just for the sake of helping another Jewish man or woman even once either materially or spiritually” (12). Having the goal to become the best givers we possibly can is therefore the most important thing we can do in our lives, to achieve our missions.

So, how can we rediscover the joy of giving ? How can we go from self-care to selfless love?

Firstly, by remembering that healthy self-care is integral to giving to others. Secondly, by learning how to do this based on the teachings of the Rabbeim. Finally, by practicing giving to ourselves, refining our self-care, and proactively giving as much as we can. Then we will be in healthy mindsets and be able to bring Moshiach ever closer, “bikarov mamash”!

The most important thing to remember is to be constantly growing in our Ahavas Yisroel, to be, as the Rebbe says, “Someone who can say at the end of the day that he has advanced a small step higher than he was at the beginning of the day” (13).

Tanya , Iggeres Hakodesh, Epistle 13
HaYom Yom , 26 Shevat and explanation of, Chabad.org
Vayikra 19:18 and Rashi’s commentary.
Saul McLeod. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html : 2018
HaYom Yom , 10 Shvat, Chabad.org
My Story, Vol II
Yanki Tauber, “What is A Chassid”, Chabad.org,
Tanya : Chapter 32
Derech Mitzvosecha , Maamer Ahavas Yisroel
Igros Kodesh, Vol VIII, p. 111
Igros Kodesh , Vol IX, p. 43
http://crownheights.info/something-jewish/614823/heres-my-story-who-is-a-chassid/

10 Keys to Happier Living

Everyone's path to happiness is different. based on the latest research, we have identified 10 keys to happier living that consistently tend to make life happier and more fulfilling. together they spell great dream., you can explore them all below..

Do kind things for others

If you want to feel good, doing good is a great place to start..

Helping and being kind not only contributes to the happiness of others, it can also help us to feel happier ourselves! [1] Studies have shown that when we do kind things it can literally gives our brain a boost, activating its ‘reward centres’ [2] and that feels good. It can take our minds off our own worries too.

Giving and kindness also help us feel connected to others which is important for our wellbeing and contributes to building stronger communities and a happier society for everyone. [3]

There are lots of different ways we can give and help others .

Every act of kindness counts

From small acts like a friendly smile, a few kind words, helping with bags, or offering up our seat, through to regular volunteering - there are lots of different ways we can give or be kind. We can of course donate money to good causes if we are able to and we can give in lots of non-financial ways too, such as giving a moment of attention, some of our time, knowledge, ideas, energy or support, or even sometimes by giving people the benefit of the doubt, instead of instantly judging them. Acts of kindness add up for our own and others wellbeing and all contribute to creating happier communities. [4]

Reflection: What’s a small act of kindness you could do today?

Helping others can boost happiness in many ways

Scientific studies show that helping others can contribute to our happiness in different ways. These include: experiencing more positive emotions and satisfaction with life [5]; increasing our sense of meaning [6], and boosting our self-confidence. It can reduce stress and help us feel calmer too. [7] Some studies have found that people who volunteered regularly were found to be more hopeful and experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and may even live longer. [8] Not all acts of helping boost how happy we feel – to maximise the benefits, it’s important that we’ve chosen if or how we help; we can see or sense that it will have a positive impact; and it helps us feel more connected to others. [9]

So if you want to feel good, find ways you can do good!

Reflection: When was a time that you chose to give or help others that boosted how happy you felt? What contributed to that?

Everyone needs kindness

Giving and being kind can help us feel more connected to others and contribute to nurturing our relationships - and that’s good for wellbeing all round! [10] Our acts of kindness might be for family, friends, colleagues, or neighbours or even strangers. They could be old or young, nearby or far away. It could be a one-off spontaneous gesture or something we do regularly. It could be a compassionate response in a time of crisis or need or simply because it’s a nice thing to do. There are always ways to be kind.

Reflection: Who have you been kind to recently? Who has been kind to you?

Create kindness ripples

Studies have shown that when we do something kind both the recipient and other people who witness that kind act are more likely to be kind themselves. [11] So our kindnesses are amplified, contributing to a happier world! Expressing gratitude for help others give us also ripples out too. [12]

Reflection: Who can you thank for what they give to you?

Ask for help when you need it

Think about it - if helping others boosts happiness, asking for help when we need it could give the person we ask the opportunity for a feel good boost. It can also mean they are then more likely to ask for help when they need it. Certainly communities where people feel they can rely on others to help are happier and more resilient. [13] Asking for help builds connection - so it isn’t only for when we are struggling. We can also ask for help to share experiences, when we’d value support, or when we want to learn something new.

Reflection: What’s something you’d like help with? Who can you ask?

Balancing your own needs and those of others

Helping is associated with increased happiness and health, but feeling obligated or overly burdened by it can be detrimental, [14] as can be the case for long-term carers. If you are a carer, taking care of your own wellbeing matters – for yourself and the people you are helping. Even small actions that give you a quick break or a boost can help you sustain your physical and psychological health and so your ability to continue caring for others.

Reflection: What is an action you can take to maintain your own wellbeing, to help you sustain caring for others?

Sustainable giving

As a general rule, we can be more effective, regular givers if we find ways to help that we enjoy, which are in line with our own strengths and feel worthwhile or meaningful. If we are happier givers, the recipients will likely benefit more, and we are more likely to continue to give. Choosing how we help and give to others, giving in ways that boost our sense of social connection and in which we feel effective and impactful all matter in order to sustain giving and helping others. [15] Happier people tend to help others more, so taking care of your own wellbeing helps you sustain giving too. [16]

Reflection: What ways of helping others do you enjoy or find energising?

1 Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J., & Whitehouse, H. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, 320-329. Aknin, L. B., Dunn, E. W., &; Norton, M. I. (2012). Happiness runs in a circular motion: Evidence for a positive feedback loop between prosocial spending and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13(2), 347-355.

2 Harbaugh, W. T., Mayr, U., &; Burghart, D. R. (2007). Neural responses to taxation and voluntary giving reveal motives for charitable donations. Science, 316(5831), 1622-1625.

3 Aknin, L. B., Whillans, A. V., Norton, M. I., & Dunn, E. W. (2019). Happiness and prosocial behavior: An evaluation of the evidence. World Happiness Report 2019, 67-86. Okabe-Miyamoto, K., &; Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). Social connection and well-being during COVID-19. World Happiness Report, 131-152.

4 Aknin, L. B., Whillans, A. V., Norton, M. I., & Dunn, E. W. (2019). Happiness and prosocial behavior: An evaluation of the evidence. World Happiness Report 2019, 67-86. Okabe-Miyamoto, K., &; Lyubomirsky, S. (2021). Social connection and well-being during COVID-19. World Happiness Report, 131-152.

5 Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 15(1), 3-34.

6 What Works Centre for Wellbeing Briefing Paper (2020) Volunteer wellbeing: what works and who benefits? https://whatworkswellbeing.org/resources/volunteer-wellbeing-what-works-and-who-benefits/

7 Luks, A. A. (1988). Helper's high. Psychology Today, 22(10), 39.; Piliavin, J. (2003). Doing well by doing good: Benefits for the benefactor. In C. M. Keyes, J. Haidt, C. M. Keyes, J. Haidt (Eds.) , Flourishing: Positive psychology and the life well-lived (pp. 227-247). Washington, DC US: American Psychological Association.

8 Aknin, L. B., Whillans, A. V., Norton, M. I., & Dunn, E. W. (2019). Happiness and prosocial behavior: An evaluation of the evidence. World Happiness Report 2019, 67-86. Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J., &; Whitehouse, H. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, 320-329. King, V. (2016) 10 Keys to Happier Living – A Practical Guide for Happiness. Hachette. Lyubomirsky, S, Sheldon, K M, &; Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111 - 131

9 Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 15(1), 3-34.; King, V. (2016) 10 Keys to Happier Living – A Practical Guide for Happiness. Hachette.

10 Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 15(1), 3-34.; Helliwell, J. F., Aknin, L. B., Shiplett, H., Huang, H., & Wang, S. (2017). Social capital and prosocial behaviour as sources of well-being. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 23761

11 Jung, H., Seo, E., Han, E., Henderson, M. D., and Patall, E. A. (2020). Prosocial modeling: A meta-analytic review and synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 146(8), 635

12 Algoe, S. B., Dwyer, P. C., Younge, A., &; Oveis, C. (2020). A new perspective on the social functions of emotions: Gratitude and the witnessing effect. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 119(1), 40.

13 Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 15(1), 3-34.; Helliwell, J. F., Aknin, L. B., Shiplett, H., Huang, H., &; Wang, S. (2017). Social capital and prosocial behaviour as sources of well-being. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 23761

14 Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 15(1), 3-34

15 Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 15(1), 3-34.; King, V. (2016) 10 Keys to Happier Living – A Practical Guide for Happiness. Hachette.

16 Aknin, L. B., Dunn, E. W., & Norton, M. I. (2012). Happiness runs in a circular motion: Evidence for a positive feedback loop between prosocial spending and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13(2), 347-355.

Take the 10 Keys to Happier Living online coaching programme.

No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted

No-one can take away from you that which you have given

Gratitude is like breathing in – letting ourselves be touched by the goodness in others and in our world. Generosity is like breathing out – sensing our mutual belonging and offering our care.

The 10 Keys

Interact with the buttons above to find out more., for each of the ten, you'll find information on the science, opportunities for reflection and practical actions to help apply them to your daily life..

Discover how to apply the 10 keys to your life and boost your wellbeing.

Discover how to be happier and create a happier world.

Our Daily Action - 1

Download the FREE Action for Happiness app for iOS or Android

Action for Happiness is a Registered Charity (1175160) and Company Limited by Guarantee (10722435) in England and Wales.

Built by 89up

Do you want to help create a happier and kinder world? If so, please join our movement, add your pledge and we'll send you practical action ideas to make a difference. By choosing to Join, you trust Action for Happiness to take care of your personal information and agree to our Privacy Policy .

The Joy of Giving: The More you give, the More You Receive

September 20, 2021

Social For Action

Post Views: 2,154

Table of Contents

The Joy of Giving

Celebrated every year from October 2 to 8, #DaanUtsav or Joy of Giving is India’s biggest festival of giving during which people come together and perform acts of kindness by giving their time, material or money in interesting ways to any cause(s) of their choice.

From auto rickshaw drivers to CEOs, school children to celebrities, homemakers to opinion leaders and media personnel, millions of people from all walks of life come together during this week to give their time, money, resources, or skills back to society. They do this by creating or participating in events of their choice.

You too can engage those around you to make a difference to many lives in need. Click here to explore all causes supported by SFA

The Benefits of Why giving?

An act of kindness lasts long. It gives you a feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment, apart from giving underprivileged children a chance to improve their circumstances and lessen the hardships that they face in their daily lives. Donating to NGOs that work for the cause of people with limited means is the best way to do your bit for the society as a whole. Non-Governmental Organisation are doing all it takes to plug the gaps in “India Growth Story”.

You get a feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment when you donate money to NGOs.
The more you give, the richer you feel!
Your small donation makes a lot of difference.
A sense of giving back to the society you are a part of.

There are uncountable reasons that make donating to NGOs a very sensible act. Many people feel the need to work for the society or do something for others in need but factors like stress, busy lives and dearth of time keep them from doing so. Amidst all this, it’s totally apt to offer some financial support to an NGO doing great work on the ground. This way you have a chance to be a change-maker without actually going on the ground.

The power of giving and the joy of helping others

To help someone in need by giving doesn’t require a specific week or time! All we need is a heart full of fellow feeling and then every day can be a Daan Utsav! However, in this modern and fast-paced world, where many of us are forced to lead hurried, mechanical and demanding lives, our empathy for others seems to be diminishing. Our increasingly self-centred lifestyles prevent us from looking past our individual and narrow shells and really see people who need our help.

This festival of philanthropy reminds us all that being compassionate and caring for others and helping those who are in need is something that restores the humanity in all of us. The festival celebrating generosity reminds us that there are millions of people, who are vulnerable and deprived, it is our duty as concerned human beings to help each other and restore faith in humanity. Daan Utsav is celebrated to give all people hope, happiness, and faith that the world is not a bad place after all. That there are people who will always be there to help each other and support one another.

How You Can Help Other

You may be making resolutions to improve your life as the year comes to a close. Improving your health and habits is certainly a noble goal. Resolving to do more to help others can also have a big payoff.

Outreach benefits the community, certainly. Research also shows that helping others can lead to greater happiness, less stress, better pain management and better overall health. It may even help the elderly live longer.

Make this the year you help yourself by helping others.

Offer Kindness Proactively. Pay attention to the people around you and what you can do to make their lives a little easier.
Volunteer Your Time. Community service is one of the best ways to improve the lives of others.
Donate to a Cause.
Donate Unused Items.
Say “Thank You”
Volunteer at a local school.
Help at a food bank.
Clean up a local park or beach.
Teach someone a skill.
Offer assistance to a local animal shelter or retirement home.

Be part of India’s largest philanthropic event — #DaanUtsav ( formerly the Joy of Giving Week).

DaanUtsav is India’s very own festival of giving. It aims to spread love, joy and happiness among those who are lesser fortunate than us, and for each one of us to experience the joy in giving. It is like our own Eid or Diwali, with a key feature that it celebrates “giving”. People celebrate this festival in various ways. Some people donate money, some their time, some materials, and some just pure love.

In the Joy of Giving Week, we encourage you to make your health a priority in ways that suit you. Along the way, don’t forget to think about how you can help others reach their goals, too — it’s likely to work out in your favor, anyway.

Crowdfunding and Fundraising Platform in India

The top three crowdfunding platforms in India (Ketto, Milaap, and ImpactGuru) raised Rs 271.65 crore (2.7 billion) in 2018. The amount was roughly 11% of the Rs 2,400 crore (24 billion) inaugural budget for Modicare— the government’s public healthcare scheme introduced in the same year. Together, Milaap and Ketto have raised over Rs 1000 crore (10 billion) for healthcare-related campaigns in the last five years, with a growth rate that doubles almost every year. Over 1,200 medical campaigns are started on Milaap every month, with a 3x growth per year on average. Ketto, on the other hand, hosts around 2,000 medical fundraisers per month and has seen a constant growth of 50% CAGR in the last five years.

We work across sectors including cleantech, health, work and learning, food, and social inclusion, providing support to enterprises focused on early cancer detection to community power co-operatives producing renewable energy. We work to help them raise capital so they can focus on their business.

We work with all investors, from foundations and family offices to everyday investors, to help them identify opportunities and to support their decision-making efforts so they can match their money with meaning.

To get you started, here are just a few of the best crowd funding platforms to donate to this Joy of Giving Week.

SocialForAction

http://www.businessworld.in/article/Daan-Utsav-India-s-Festival-Of-Giving-To-Take-Place-From-2nd-to-8th-October/01-10-2018-161222/

https://www.youtube.com/user/JoyOfGivingWeek/videos

About Author

Social impact and social change remains the core of the Sakal's beliefs even today and with this Sakal is introducing its own Crowdfunding platform - Social For Action.

12 Key Factors Influencing Employee Engagement

10 Ways to Improve Employee Engagement in Healthcare

Short Paragraph on Joy of Giving (341 Words)

Here is your short paragraph on Joy of Giving !

Have you ever noticed how you feel when you give away things? The Joy of giving just cannot be put into any words but only felt. It is a greater feeling than while receiving any kind of gifts.

Studies have shown that some parts of your brains get activated when you give and receive gifts.

Giving could be in any format. For some it could be money while for others it could be time. Some people find great pleasures in giving care and working for others or for the society. The happiness that one finds in giving out may differ from person to person and their interests. It has also been observed that children also experience a sense of joy when they give their things to whom they like.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The joy of giving could be seen on the faces of the people who share and give. The smile, the glow the happiness all is very much evident and it is such a pleasure to see those faces. Studies have shown that most people when they are down or blue, and when they get involved in giving out something, it brightens up their mood and makes them happy.

Basically, giving means ensuring that you are making someone happy by providing them what they wanted and thereby making them feel happy and cared.

Giving away something that was of great benefit or of requirement to the receiver definitely brings in a feel of happiness and fulfillment. No matter whatever situation you may be in, when you pass out things that are of great help and happiness to others, you too feel the same.

The joy of sharing and giving out things to others, who genuinely require it, could only be experienced and could not be put down in any kind of wonderful words. Let us all try to experience that wonderful feel of sharing and caring and giving out things, so that the future generation to come would also find happiness and peace.

Short Paragraph on My Wish (370 Words)
Short Paragraph on Happiness
Short Paragraph on My Result Day Experience (387 Words)
Short Paragraph on Love (412 Words)

Inspiring Stories , Stories of Faith and Hope
Christmas , Family , Giving , Joy , Joy of Giving

Share this story

Keep the Faith: The Joy of Giving at Christmas

Ty'Ann Brown

Ty’Ann Brown, Guideposts’ Vice President of Ministries, shares a treasured family memory of an early experience with Christmas giving.

Ty'Ann Brown, Guideposts' Vice President of Ministries; photo by Kennies Earl

I was eight years old that Christmas , and I wanted to get something special for my mom and my older sister, Tanya. We were living in an apartment in Spanish Harlem, in Manhattan, close enough to school that I could walk there with my friends—Tanya keeping an eye out for me—while Mom went to work.

Every year, I couldn’t wait for the holidays to arrive. We’d make a big batch of Orville Redenbacher popcorn and take out Mom’s sewing kit. We’d push needle and thread through each popped kernel, making a long string to loop around our Christmas tree . Whatever we didn’t hang on the tree branches, we popped into our mouths. Soon there would be a pile of presents under those branches, many of them for me.

Mom had confirmed my suspicions about Santa Claus long before, but now that I was getting older, I wanted to be able to give something back to her and Tanya. I didn’t have any money, of course. I couldn’t buy any of the nice things that I wished I could, but I wanted to give them a taste of what it felt like for me to open a present from them. After all, didn’t the Bible say it was better to give than receive ?

One day, I came up with a plan. I snuck into Tanya’s closet and grabbed her favorite leather boots. When Mom wasn’t looking, I took a brandnew box of light bulbs out of the kitchen closet. I wrapped both presents in our prettiest Christmas paper, taping a card on top—just like Mom always did—by folding a square of leftover paper and signing it, “Love, Ty’Ann.” I carefully put the gifts under the tree.

Did I hope that Tanya and Mom would be surprised when they opened my presents to them on Christmas Eve ? I wasn’t sure what they would think, but their smiles and laughter and heartfelt thanks were more than I could have imagined.

We all love to retell the story of that long-ago Christmas when I gave my mom and my sister things they already had. What they gave me in return was even more precious. The sheer joy of giving .

For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine .

Extraordinary Women of the Bible

Their Lives Changed the World… Their Stories Will Change Your Heart.

There are many women in Scripture who do extraordinary things. Women whose lives and actions were pivotal in changing the course of history. In this exciting ALL NEW historical biblical fiction series, you can shed new light on the stories of the most extraordinary women such as Ruth, Elizabeth, Deborah, Rahab, Bathsheba, Mary, and many more.

Start today with book # 1 Highly Favored: Mary’s Story . Get Two FREE GIFTS – Lovely Tote and a Silver-tone Scripture Pendant, yours free with a hardcover or series purchase.

Community Newsletter

Get more inspiration delivered to your inbox.

More Inspiring Stories , Stories of Faith and Hope

What Are the 5 Colors of Lent?

An in-depth look at the five colors plucked from God’s rainbow that usher us through this important time of spiritual renewal and growth.

Elizabeth Sherrill with her husband, John (photo by Shawn G. Henry)

Elizabeth Sherrill: Remembering a Guideposts Legend

The brilliant storyteller and editor helped create the Guideposts voice we know and love today.

How Terry Crews Discovered His True Superpower

The America’s Got Talent host reveals how his biggest weakness became his greatest strength.

Essay on Giving And Sharing

Students are often asked to write an essay on Giving And Sharing in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Giving And Sharing

The joy of giving.

Giving means offering something to others without expecting anything back. When we give, we help someone else. This could be giving time, money, or toys. It feels good to see others happy because of what we share. Giving teaches us kindness.

Sharing with Friends

Sharing is when you let others use or enjoy something that is yours. By sharing a snack or a book with a friend, you make your friendship stronger. Sharing shows that you care about others.

Sharing at Home

At home, we share many things like food, chores, and space. When we share, we learn to live together in peace. Sharing at home makes family life better for everyone.

Giving to Those in Need

Some people don’t have as much as we do. Giving them food, clothes, or toys can make a big difference. When we give to those in need, we show love and make the world a better place.

250 Words Essay on Giving And Sharing

Giving means to offer something to someone else without expecting anything back. It is like handing out a piece of your cake to a friend because you want them to smile. When we give, our hearts feel light and happy. Think about the time you shared your toys with your friends. It made playing together even more fun, right?

Sharing Brings Us Together

Sharing is when you let others use something that is yours. By sharing your snacks at lunch, you’re not just feeding someone’s stomach, but you’re also feeding the friendship. Sharing has a special power; it can make a group of people feel like a family. It’s like when everyone brings different colors to paint a picture, and the picture turns out beautiful because everyone contributed.

Helping Those in Need

There are people who might not have as many things as we do. When we give them some of what we have, like clothes or books we no longer use, we help make their lives better. It’s like giving a blanket to someone who is cold. It’s a simple act, but it means a lot to the person who is shivering.

Giving Without Gifts

Remember, giving isn’t always about things. You can give your time by helping your mom in the kitchen or you can give your attention by listening to a friend’s story. These things don’t cost money, but they are very valuable to the ones who receive them.

In conclusion, giving and sharing are like seeds of kindness. When we plant them, they grow into trees of happiness and love that shade everyone around us. Let’s all try to give and share more; it will make our world a much better place.

500 Words Essay on Giving And Sharing

Giving is like planting a seed. When you give something to another person, it’s like putting a seed in the ground. Over time, that seed grows into a plant that can give fruits or flowers. Giving can make you feel happy inside. It’s not just about giving away things you don’t want anymore, but also sharing what you love or what you think will help someone else.

Sharing with Friends and Family

Sharing is a big part of being with friends and family. When you share your toys with your brother or sister, you are showing them that you care. Sharing your snacks with a friend at school can make lunchtime more fun. It’s not just about things, either. Sharing your time by helping a friend with homework or listening when they’re sad is just as important.

Sharing in the Community

Your neighborhood, town, or city is a bigger family. Sharing here can mean helping people you might not know. It could be giving clothes you’ve outgrown to a place that gives them to kids who need them. Or it could be spending time with older people who might feel lonely. When you share in your community, you help make it a happier place for everyone.

There are people in the world who don’t have enough food, clothes, or a place to live. Giving to these people is very important. You can give money to charities, or you can give your time by joining in on charity events at school or in your community. When you give to those in need, you’re like a superhero fighting against hunger and cold.

Sharing Knowledge and Skills

You can also share what you know. Teaching your little sister how to tie her shoes or showing a friend how to solve a tough math problem are ways of sharing your skills. When you share your knowledge, you’re helping someone else get better at something, and that feels really good.

The Happiness of Giving and Sharing

When you give or share, it doesn’t just make the other person happy; it makes you happy too. It’s like a circle of happiness. You give, someone else feels good, and that makes you feel good too. Scientists have even found that when you give or share, your brain makes you feel joy.

In the end, giving and sharing are about caring for others and yourself. They are about making the world a little brighter, one act of kindness at a time. Whether it’s a toy, your time, or a smile, every bit of giving and sharing adds up. So, look for ways to give and share every day, and watch as the world around you becomes a better place.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Giving Back To The Community
Essay on Goal Of My Life
Essay on Goal Setting Is Important For Success

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Speech Writing /

Speech On The Joy Of Giving: Short and Long Speech in English

Updated on
May 24, 2024

There is no greater joy than the act of providing without any expectations. Whenever we give something to anyone, doesn’t matter how big or small, it always makes us and the other person happy. But giving is not always associated with materialistic things, it can be the smallest act of kindness that brings a smile to someone’s face. In this section, we will go through the speech on the joy of giving for a better understanding. Continue reading to learn more.

Short Speech On The Joy Of Giving

Also Read: Speech on Beauty Is In The Eyes of The Beholder

Long Speech On The Joy Of Giving

Also Read: 1-Minute Speech on Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

A.2 Whenever we give anything to someone, whether it’s material possessions or kind gestures, we feel a deep sense of joy. The sense of satisfaction and happiness is referred to as the joy of giving. It does not have to be a grand gesture but can be a small act that has a positive effect on the lives of others.

A.2 It’s a pleasant feeling in your heart when you help someone, smile when you praise someone, and gratitude when you appreciate someone.

A.3 This joy goes well beyond the immediate effect. It provides us with a sense of purpose in life and strengthens our connections with others. It not only makes the receiver happy but also enriches our own life too.

Bhumika Sharma

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

1 Minute Speech on the Joy of Giving In English

A very good morning to one and all present here. Today, I will be giving a short speech on the topic of the ‘Joy of Giving’.

The joy of giving to others, be it friends, family, or people who are in need of help is unparalleled by another other joy. A verse in Bible shows Jesus saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Giving is an act that arises out of kindness and benevolence. The joy that is thus received from it is one that is pure and will improve one’s overall mental health significantly. Even in the Hindu context, it can be seen that one must always give to others as Karna had.

There is another verse from the Bible that beautifully brings out the joy of giving. It goes “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

True joy lies in giving, not taking!

Thank you.

Daddy Poem Summary and Line by Line Explanation by Sylvia Plath in English
Michael Poem by William Wordsworth Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English
1 Minute Speech On The Importance of Dress Code In English
For the Union Dead Poem by Robert Lowell Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English
The Lady of Shalott by Alfred Lord Tennyson Poem Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English
Random Phrase Generator [English]

IMAGES

The Joy of Giving: The More you give, the More You Receive
“The joy of giving”
joy of giving week
The Joy Of Giving
(PDF) JOy of Giving
15 Inspiring Quotes About Giving

VIDEO

UNIVERSAL LEARN TO SKI METHOD Lesson 6.divx

COMMENTS

THE JOY OF GIVING: The more you give of yourself ...
As Mahatma Gandhi said, "To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.". Giving takes you out of yourself and allows you to expand beyond earthly limitations. True joy lies in the act of giving without an expectation of receiving something in return. Academic research and thousands of years of human history confirm that ...
The Joy of Giving: Generosity as a Spiritual Practice
The Importance of Giving. Giving is an essential aspect of numerous religious and spiritual traditions. It is considered a moral and ethical duty, reflecting the divine attributes of compassion, love, and stewardship. By giving selflessly, we align ourselves with higher principles and contribute to the well-being of others and the world around us.
Understanding the True Purpose Of Giving: The Joy in Generosity
The purpose of giving is to create a sense of community, to help those in need, and to foster a spirit of generosity and empathy. When we give, we contribute to the betterment of society, reinforcing our shared values and beliefs. At the same time, giving can help us connect with others, build relationships, and experience the joy and ...
The Joy of Giving: The More you give, the More you Receive
The joy of giving only happens when a person is full of gratitude for himself and is ready to come out of his comfort zone to make a difference in another person's life. Gratitude is the ...
The Joy of Giving: Spreading Kindness and Compassion
The joy of giving lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed through acts of kindness and compassion. By embracing the beauty of giving, we enrich not only the lives of others but also our ...
The Joy of Giving:
In fact, the joy that comes from sharing begins a beautiful transformation. Being generous brings joy to you, creates a positive ripple effect in the lives of others, and creates a continuous ...
The Neuroscience of Giving
Neuroscience has demonstrated that giving is a powerful pathway for creating more personal joy and improving overall health. While the brain is remarkably complex, the neurochemical drivers of ...
Why Giving Is Better Than Receiving: The Joy of Generosity
The act of giving can produce a "helper's high," a physical and emotional sensation of joy and warmth that is often accompanied by a burst of energy. Studies have shown that giving has therapeutic effects on the brain. When we give, our brain releases endorphins, producing positive feelings that can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
The Science Behind the Power of Giving
This essay builds on themes from her book " The Giving Way to Happiness: Stories and Science Behind the Transformative Power of Giving " (Penguin, 2015). The author contributed this article to ...
How to Make Giving Feel Good
3. Make an Impact. A donation to UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund) helps children around the world. There is no denying the importance of this cause, but it can be hard to see how a small donation to such a large, nebulous organization will make a concrete difference in a child's life.
Essay About Giving And Sharing: The Joy of Generosity Explored
Research shows that giving and sharing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also produce a sense of calmness and well-being. 3. Greater Happiness. Giving and sharing can produce a sense of joy, contentment, and fulfillment. It allows us to focus on the positive and appreciate what we have.
Five Ways Giving Is Good for You
1. Giving makes us feel happy. A 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted participants' happiness more that spending it on themselves (despite participants' prediction that spending on themselves would make them happier). Happiness expert Sonja Lyubomirsky ...
Rediscovering the Joy of Giving
We may not receive anything from it, even a thank-you. The original source for loving your fellow Jew, Ahavas Yisroel, is in Parshas Kedoshim: "Ve'ahavta Lereiacha Kamocha" - "Love your fellow as yourself" (3). The Talmudic leader Rabbi Akiva says: " [this] is the main commandment in the Torah". If we replace the word "love ...
Giving
Scientific studies show that helping others can contribute to our happiness in different ways. These include: experiencing more positive emotions and satisfaction with life [5]; increasing our sense of meaning [6], and boosting our self-confidence. It can reduce stress and help us feel calmer too. [7]
The Joy of Giving: The More you give, the More You Receive
The Joy of Giving. Celebrated every year from October 2 to 8, #DaanUtsav or Joy of Giving is India's biggest festival of giving during which people come together and perform acts of kindness by giving their time, material or money in interesting ways to any cause (s) of their choice. From auto rickshaw drivers to CEOs, school children to ...
PDF The Joy of Giving
A hristian's giving is to model the sacrificial gift hrist gave for the church. hrist gave all He had. Giving should come joyfully from the overflow of one's heart and in proportion to what God has given that person (Mark 12:41-44). It supports the needs of others and the unity of the church at large.
Giving is Important Essay
Giving is an important trait to teach children. For example, if a child helps pick out a gift for a family member who is having a birthday and presents them with this gift, it teaches them to be unselfish, how to share and to appreciate the pleasure of giving to others. Teaching by example is the best way to show a child how to give, not only ...
The Joy
THE JOY - AND CHALLENGE - OF GIFT-GIVING. Giving gifts can be a joyful thing. It gets us to think deeply about loved ones and consider their interests, personalities, and needs. We get to imagine what others might enjoy receiving. For kids, giving gifts is important for teaching generosity and empathy.
The Joy of Giving: Spreading Kindness and Making a Difference
1. The Joy of Giving is a beautiful concept that can spread kindness and make a difference in our world. It's an act of compassion that can bring immense joy to both the giver and the receiver ...
Short Paragraph on Joy of Giving (341 Words)
The Joy of giving just cannot be put into any words but only felt. It is a greater feeling than while receiving any kind of gifts. Studies have shown that some parts of your brains get activated when you give and receive gifts. Giving could be in any format. For some it could be money while for others it could be time.
Keep the Faith: The Joy of Giving at Christmas
Women whose lives and actions were pivotal in changing the course of history. In this exciting ALL NEW historical biblical fiction series, you can shed new light on the stories of the most extraordinary women such as Ruth, Elizabeth, Deborah, Rahab, Bathsheba, Mary, and many more. Start today with book # 1 Highly Favored: Mary's Story.
Essay on Giving And Sharing
500 Words Essay on Giving And Sharing The Joy of Giving. Giving is like planting a seed. When you give something to another person, it's like putting a seed in the ground. Over time, that seed grows into a plant that can give fruits or flowers. Giving can make you feel happy inside. It's not just about giving away things you don't want ...
Speech On The Joy Of Giving: Short and Long Speech in English
Giving is more than just material possessions but it also includes giving of your time, effort, and kindness. Your act of giving can positively affect someone's life-giving you a sense of purpose. We give or help someone, whether it's something materialistic or a kind gesture, we feel a deep sense of joy. The sense of satisfaction and ...
1 Minute Speech on the Joy of Giving In English
Today, I will be giving a short speech on the topic of the 'Joy of Giving'. The joy of giving to others, be it friends, family, or people who are in need of help is unparalleled by another other joy. A verse in Bible shows Jesus saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.". Giving is an act that arises out of kindness and ...

THE JOY OF GIVING: The more you give of yourself, the more you find of yourself

The power of giving and the joy of helping others

Recommended reading

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

The Joy of Giving: Generosity as a Spiritual Practice

I. Understanding Generosity

II. The Importance of Giving

III. The Benefits of Giving

IV. Giving and Connection

V. Generosity and Gratitude

VI. Giving as a Spiritual Practice

VII. Overcoming Obstacles to Giving

VIII. Cultivating a Generous Lifestyle

IX. The Ripple Effect of Generosity

X. Generosity in Challenging Times

Share this:

Honor our Heroes

From Disappointment to Divine Appointment (HEiots.com)

Social Media

Discover the 10 benefits of faithfulness

Create New Account!

Retrieve your password

The Neuroscience of Giving

The Science Behind the Power of Giving (Op-Ed)

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Most Popular

Essay About Giving And Sharing: The Joy of Generosity Explored

Examples of Giving and Sharing Essays Online Free

Importance of Giving and Sharing

Impact of Giving and Sharing

Fostering a Culture of Giving and Sharing

Lead by Example

Promote Volunteerism

Start a Sharing Community

Create a Giving Circle

Support Local Businesses

Teaching Children about Giving and Sharing

Teaching Empathy

The Joy of Giving

The Power of Sharing

Giving and Sharing in the Workplace

Giving and Sharing During Difficult Times

Impact of Technology on Giving and Sharing

The Power of Social Media

Technology for Good

The Future of Giving and Sharing

FAQ on Essay About Giving And Sharing

Q: How can I teach my children about the importance of giving and sharing?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Latest posts

Giving Back To The Community Business: Make an Impact Today

Giving Back: Inspiring Articles On Giving Back to The Community

Inspirational Quotes About the Importance of Giving Back

Five Ways Giving Is Good for You

About the Authors

Jill Suttie

Jason Marsh

You May Also Enjoy

The Helper’s High

What Seniors Get from Giving Back

What We Get When We Give

The Activism Cure

Another Reason to Volunteer

6 Simple Practices to Handle Holiday Stress

Find answers to your personal dilemmas.

Introduction

What We’ll Explore

The Basis of Giving: Chesed, Ahavas Yisroel and Some Challenges they Present

What about Self-Love?

A Secular Viewpoint: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

What Chassidus Says About Self-Care and Loving Others

3 Sources on the Importance of Self-Care Before Selfless Love

Practical Applications for Rediscovering the Joy of Giving

Some Final Thoughts

10 Keys to Happier Living

Do kind things for others

Every act of kindness counts

Helping others can boost happiness in many ways

Everyone needs kindness