Generosity opens doors to Happiness

Give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38

I love to give- giving attention, advice, a gift, opportunities, positivity, inspiration or just a smile. And – for sure- Everybody loves to receive something….

But what is actually a gift? A Gift is something given voluntarily and expecting compensation in return, as to show a favour toward someone or make a gesture of assistance; a present.

It is all a matter of feeling good. Do you remember-

It is Christmas Eve, a gracious dance of flames in the fire place. You can hear the sound of crackling wood, the warmth is heating up the room. The guardian angel at the top of the tree. It reflects diamond light into the room and your mind is filling with memories of long forgotten memories of happiness. At night you have roast dinner- chicken. When your parents come down you open your presents. You like what they got you, like usually amazing new toys and closing. You are filled with excitement.

Sitting in your chair at the window, your hands folded before your cheek, a tender smile is covering your face. Outside in the light of the evening star, snow flocks curling down, covering the landscape with a white blanket of winter. Watching your love unwrapping the dotted gift paper with the pink ribbon. A wonderful smile of surprise and astonishment is turning on her face, tears, as she reveals and shows her grandmother’s necklace. That moment- being purely happy, tender, eternity.

Generosity is a central motivator in our lives. For sure there is a feel-good moment when you see the genuine face of someone being excited by the joy and acknowledgement of your kindness. Likeness affects our brains.

The chemistry in our brain recognizes joy, generosity and happiness stimuli. Chemicals, like dopamine and endorphins play a crucial role. It is in these miniscule pieces of neurons giving people a sense of inner peace, joy, pleasure and happiness. Many studies describe the benefits of giving, receiving gifts and they all show that giving & receiving make people feel good. That connection of pleasure to generosity and kindness is inherited from a public good- of giving & receiving.

In my professional life and as connector I have many conversations with people; colleagues, clients, organizations- the world around me. Long intense discussions about what is driving people and organizations, purpose and satisfaction. What have we learned today that will change the day of tomorrow? What is our biggest dream? The fascinating thing of having such conversations is just to listen- to provide inspiration, enablement and potential- always, everywhere.

I wrote many times about achieving, of getting what you want. And I cannot emphasize this enough- If you want something in life, the quickest and easiest way for getting it, is: ASK for it! But in the face of human relationships, it does not always seems easy; asking for help, support, guidance, a favour.

How many times do we have conversations with others where we desire something and waiting for that one right moment: controlling your nerves, pulling back all your fears and grabbing your guts together? How many times…..do we intent to ask, hesitate, wait and eventually postpone. Wanting to ask for something, a favour. And that moment glitches by in a split second, gone. Or even that moment will never appear. So, make it transparent, create an environment of mutual understanding and mutual added value.

The beauty of the moment- at the end of a discussion, after an intense exchange of thoughts; in debate, in revelation, with compassion, while building the future, is- that moment where nothing exists, rather than in the Flow of landing in the presence again. “Is there anything I can do for you?” It starts with silence. An intense look. Then surprise, you can sense the brain- the chemicals, hearing, recognizing and valuing the offer- the gift.. You can recognize it in their eyes. Christmas Eve – a present: excitement! “Well, ………………….……..” And that is what I call magic.

It feels phenomenal to help people….

Satisfy your brain – and just give ‘til it feels good!

“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”

Do you have other experiences with Giving & Taking- enabling Happiness? Feel free to share your comments! First published on https://personalempowering.com/