Service fulfills us on many levels, beginning with the simple belief that we’re born to care for others. In “Long Walk to Freedom,” Nelson Mandela wrote, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, then they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Several studies show that when we pursue compassionate goals that aim to help others or make the world a better place, we’re less likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression than when we focus on improving or protecting our own reputation. The act of giving to others activates the pleasure center of our brain. This is why those who help others tend to live longer, be healthier and have a better overall sense of well-being.
Monks strongly believe that the pillar of service makes our lives better in many ways. Service connects us. When we serve, it’s hard to be lonely. In most scenarios, we have to go out into the world to help other people. Service broadens us and increases gratitude. Service gives us a broad view of all that we have, and it increases compassion. When we serve, we see that the world needs what we have to offer. Helping others tells us that we are making a difference in the world.
Shared from Think Like A Monk by Headway App
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