Interacting with people on a regular basis is good for the soul. Doing things for others and offering assistance helps us become innately whole, on so many levels. It is the experience of magnificence and infinite capacity of human beings. It is an experience of unity and an act of love and trust. It is also an act of responsiblity and of courage – a stand for the integrity of human life.
Some spiritual leaders of the world claim to find peace in the world, we need to first find it within ourselves. Socrates once said: “Before you can help others, you need to understand them. Before you can understand them, you need to understand yourself. The more clarity you have within yourself, the more clarity in understanding others”. Thus, when your own light shines more brightly, you can then illuminate the world.
Helping others is also beneficial to your physical health. The act of giving increases serotonin levels in the blood, releasisng endorphins (natural opiates) that produce a natural high. It makes us feel happy about our positive actions and that we are acting kind to another. Whether you do larger acts of kindness or any number of smaller gestures, it can have great significance. A kind word to a stranger, a note of appreciation to a bank clerk, mailman, an uplifting morale boost to a colleague, even something as easy as letting in a car while driving. For, small acts of kindness not only makes a difference to others, they also transform our own lives. It gives us a sense of meaning, purpose, connection.
Sometimes, one of the kindest things a person can do for another, is to “smile” at them. A smile directed at someone says “I notice you, you are important, you matter”. For those going through difficult times, this small but very important gesture can make their day or could even help save a life, if in deep despair.
Helping those around you, with kindness and respect is so uplifting, to both the receiver and the giver. Even as we hike up, sometimes struggle up, the mountain of life, we need to help and encourage others to do the same. We come to realize that we are, in a larger sense, responsible for the care of our entire human family. Now is the time to see, to listen, to do – to bring our very best forward, to be the best we can be.
In giving to others, you open yourself to love, greater abundance and inner peace. For, the purpose in life is to matter, make a difference, to be productive, to be useful – to help make the world a better place. Life itself, is a hero’s journey. Often, we are the one’s being most helped when helping others. Our awareness is heightened and our heart is opened. Helping others is our pathway to “joy”.
Become that positive bright light in others’ lives by making a difference in their world, while also adding so much to your own. Offering your help….makes heroes in us all.
