Christmas is a time for presents, family, friends, but if we look at it in a deeper sense, Christmas really is a time for giving. There are so many ways to give, not just physical presents, but emotionally as well.
In this blog, we look into the different ways of giving and how and why it can bring true happiness.
We learn from an early age that it is better to give than receive but is there a greater truth behind this saying? We believe that our original nature is clear, bright and beautiful and our original state is healthy and happy.
The Master Oh practice teaches the art of re-connecting with our original source. This is when we dispel our ego and our self awareness (the constant chatter in our head) to recharge and regain a good-hearted, generous and compassionate state of being.
It is not only us that believes in this truth. Scientific research provides strong evidence that giving is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness.
The act of giving triggers the same parts of the brain that are also stimulated by food and sex. Experiments show evidence that selflessness is lodged in the brain—and it’s pleasurable. Helping others may just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful.
Below we have written some tips that will help you give, so the feeling of happiness is enhanced:
1. Find your passion
The foundation for giving should be our passion. The satisfaction should come from how much love we put into giving as opposed to how much we give. It’s only natural that we care about some things and not about others, and that’s fine. It should not simply be a matter of choosing the right thing, but also a matter of choosing what is right for us.
2. Give your time
The gift of time is often so valuable to the receiver, and significantly more satisfying for the giver. It is so much more worthwhile and valuable than the gift of money. We don’t all have the same amount of money, but many of us do have time on our hands, and can give some of this time to help others—whether that means we devote our lifetimes to service, or just give a few hours each day or a few days a year.
3. Give to organizations with transparent aims and results
Giving to a cause brings a sense of satisfaction, but giving to a cause that specifies exactly what they’re going to do with your money leads to more concrete sense of happiness. Take the time to find a worthy cause that you truly believe in and know where your money will be going.
4. Give a Smile
Science has shown that the mere act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress and boost your immune system. Smiling can trick your brain into believing you’re happy which can then spur actual feelings of happiness. And that’s not all, scientists and spiritual teachers alike agree that the simple act of smiling can transform you and the world around you.
Current research (and common sense) shows us that a smile is contagious, it can make us appear more attractive to others and it lifts our mood, as well as the moods of those around us. So lift the spirits of the people around you and flash one of your most impressive smiles.
5. Be proactive, not reactive
We have all felt the dread that comes from being pressurised into giving for a fundraiser, like a friend’s charity run. We know that the cause is good but we are more likely to give to avoid humiliation rather than out of generosity and thought for the charity. This type of giving doesn’t lead to a warm glow feeling; more likely it will lead to resentment. Instead we should set aside time, think about our options, and find the best charity for our values.
6. Giving Someone the Gift of Energy
Why not treat someone to an Energy Treatment with Master Oh, which will teach you how to cultivate a ‘beautiful mind’, which he believes is the essence of life and key to happiness.
Energy Treatments are a powerful combination of acupressure and sound which help to open the energy channels and improve the flow of ‘human energy’ – Qi.
Qi is responsible for the communication between all cells, organs and systems in the body. It is vital to our wellbeing, relieving physical and emotional pain, increasing vitality and enhancing the body’s self-healing capacity.
With his sensitive touch, Master Oh can feel how energy is circulating in your body and where it is blocked. He is also able to assess your energy reserves. He then works on your entire body, applying gentle acupressure on the main energy points to release blockages, clear toxins and recharge your energy system. Throughout the treatment he uses a breathing technique to make a sound vibration that transmits Qi deep into the energy channels.
So does giving really make us happy? The key is to find the approach that fits us. When we do, then the more we give, the more we stand to gain purpose, meaning and happiness—all of the things that we look for in life but are so hard to find
