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Helping Others Will Help Yourself

by Mary Frances Hansen

“No Act of Kindness , no matter how small is ever wasted”
Aesop

ove and kindness make such a difference in people's Dr. Ritchie Davidson, Professor of Psychology and
lives. Not only do they bless the person who Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and
Lreceives them, but also blesses you. When you help the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds,
other people your life will most likely become happier says.... “Kindness is contagious. Acts of kindness produces
and more fulfilling. Personally, I am my happiest when the Love Hormone Oxytocin which aids in lowering blood
I am extending my hand to help another person. It gives pressure, increases self-esteem and optimism.” Studies
me a sense of value and being more fulfilled. I feel what show practices like prayer or meditation, which evokes
people give out will return back to them. Some people call feelings of love and kindness, have a calming effect on
it Karma. the body reducing stress hormones and pain.

A beautiful quote by Spanish researchers
Jonathan Huie, “The say, “ Praying for
more love that is given, others or simply
the more love returns. sending love and
The more a helping hand well wishes can help
is given, the more hands take your mind off
are strengthened and of your own worries
empowered to help. We and can lower your
can help each other to all stress by 63%.” Dr.
be winners.” Koenig is Director
Numerous studies have of the Center for
Spirituality, Theology
shown there are strong and Health at Duke
correlations between University Medical
helping others and Center, and has
happiness. Wonderful published extensively
quote by Ralph Waldo in the fields of mental
Emerson, “Giving is one health, geriatrics, and
of the most beautiful religion, with more
compensations of life, than 500 scientific
that no man can sincerely peer -reviewed
try to help another publications, nearly
without helping himself.” 100 book chapters,
Scientific studies show and over 50 books in
helping others boosts print says, “Prayer
happiness, increase feelings of competence, improves our reduces stress hormone in minutes and can be incredibly
moods and reduces stress, because when you are doing healing even if you are not religious.” Thinking about
something for someone else, you don't have time to worry someone or praying for them can improve your day.
and think about yourself.
Daniel Gregory Amen (born 1954) is an American celebrity
Jonathan Huie quotes are so meaningful to me.... doctor who practices as a psychiatrist and brain disorder
“Generally, your greatest service to someone specialist as director of the Amen Clinics. A five-times
in their time of trouble, sorrow, or confusion, is your New York Times best-selling author as of 2012 says, “
comfort. Take the time to listen to their troubles and Daily prayer or meditation keeps your brain healthy and
concerns with patience, kindness, and empathy, but improves memory. In fact studies show regular prayer
without offering unsolicited advice or suggestions. Your improves memory and focus by 45%.”
kindly hand on their shoulder, supportive hug, and patient The word of God tells us we are to pray for one another
listening and even pray for our enemies. It is so comforting to know
are often the greatest gifts you can offer.” that people care enough to pray for one another. There is
power in prayer!•

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