8/9 Simple Wellness Tip- CommUNITY! Recently I was at my favorite neighborhood coffee shop and the place was busy, open tables were hard to find. I was alone, enjoying my chocolate croissant, at a table for two with one chair free. A woman came in and ordered a drink and sandwich and looked around for a place to sit. Not seeing an open table she choose to stand at a small area of the crowded counter to eat her sandwich. I offered her my free chair and she happily accepted. This isn’t about, “look at me, what a model citizen I am!” We continued to eat and drink in silence. When I left I had this light, positive, happy feeling in my spirit. This reminded me that every day we could choose to make ourselves happy and bring happiness to others by simple kindness. Holding the door open, offering your chair, letting someone merge onto the freeway. You might be thinking, “I would rather find happiness in buying that coveted pair of shoes or eating my favorite food.” While these things can bring us happiness, that chocolate croissant made me giddy, it turns out to be temporary happiness. Long-lasting happiness, according to research done by Dr. Martin Seligman and many others, comes from helping others unconditionally, whether it is a small gesture or a grand gift. Unconditional giving from the heart is a source of joy that increases and renews itself. The result of this long-term happiness is less stress and a healthy nervous system for the giver, the receiver gets their immediate need met, and both people feel a more positive sense of community. The world and the people in it don’t suck after all:-)
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 23:11:19 +0000
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