Giving

This year, the University of Zurich in Switzerland published results from a study that evaluated the brain activity in a person as it correlated with generosity. Fifty people were each given $100 and split into two groups, one group was told to spend the money on themselves and the other group was instructed to spend the money on other people. 

Functional MRI scans of the participants' brains were used to evaluate the areas of the brain associated with social behavior, generosity, happiness, and decision making. These areas in the brains of the group who gave the money away in the form of gifts were noticeably different than those who spent the money on themselves.

Feelings of happiness were reported higher in the group that gifted the money to others.

High levels of altruistic choices, increased generosity, and reduced egocentricity were measured in the brains of the group who gave gifts to others. This study may seem obvious to us, but the functional MRI data showed that areas of the brain associated with joy and happiness "light up" in the brains of those who gave gifts to others as opposed to the brains of those who kept the money to themselves. 

During the winter holiday season, we place a high amount of pressure and effort on gift giving. We search for just the right thing. We make lists of everyone for whom we need to give a gift. We wonder what is a reasonable amount of money to spend. We watch with anticipation as the gift is opened and we assess the reaction.

It can be a lot of pressure and stress to give gifts.

Or it can be a direct line to joy and happiness. 

We get to decide how we approach giving. Our brain seems to like it (as many studies have found), but we can cancel the good feelings if we choose negative thoughts and attitudes about giving.

In gift giving, we may notice we have a fear mindset - which shows up as scarcity, over concern with people-pleasing, and begrudging the effort of gift buying. Or, we can choose to give to others with a mindset of joy, generosity, love, and happiness. 

Sometimes, the commercialization and consumerism of the holiday season can cause us to get off track about what is most important in our lives. For some, this time of year triggers high anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. When I feel this coming on, I find the words attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi help me to regain perspective. To me, these words are a calling for how we can live and how we can give. I hope the action behind these words will find a way into our hearts and minds this holiday season. 

You can read the whole study from the University of Zurich by clicking here. 

Giving the gifts of smiles, hugs, presence, listening, attention, and love are the best gifts of all.

The people you love may want to open a package, but time with you and your attention is what really matters to them.

Allow your brain to light up with joy as you give gifts.
Allow your inner light to shine as you spend time with those you love. 
Allow your mind and heart to fill with thoughts of love, peace, and compassion for others and yourself this holiday season. 

Sending you love,