The unexamined life is not worth living.” –Socrates
The ongoing American healthcare debate and the Occupy Wall Street movement has brought to light, sometimes in a painful, ugly way, the lack of altruistic thinking of some people. More of us could become in touch with a lifestyle choice that could bring us a wealth of happiness, integrity and wellness. Altruism seems to have grown out of favor over the past several decades, though it has been a part of human interaction throughout history, cooperation and sharing has always been a hallmark of what binds a group or even a culture together. Two or more people giving their resources can produce more than two individuals acting alone in most situations.
However many people have adopted an attitude of self interest, believing they have worked hard for what they have, so why should they give to others or an organization? This shift in thinking seems to be linked with a weakening in our sense of community, and a break down of family. We have higher divorce rates, an increase in children being diagnosed with serious emotion issues, and more distance between socioeconomic classes. We have put an emphasis on self-interest and greed, rather than empathy, compassion and sharing, while some in our society grow wealthy others are sinking into poverty.
The remedy to this societal trend lies with each individual. When enough people become conscious of how self-interest is infused into their lives and they challenge it by cultivating a new way of living, it spreads throughout the culture. Recent studies of brain activity indicates that we have a natural trait toward altruism, in other words we are hardwired to be kind, caring and giving. Exploring this part of your self can bring you back into harmony with your natural state, and can improve your well-being.
Volunteer work has been shown to be beneficial in many studies, it can–
–Enhance the functioning of our immune system
–Lower cholesterol levels
–Reduce stress
–Improve cardiovascular functioning
Many people are caught in the trap of materialism. Working hard to make more money to buy more things, and the more things they want the more they need to work, which diminishes the time they have to use the stuff they have worked so hard to buy. Our lives become focused on self-interest and we loose touch with the richer life that comes from having a connection to the community and sharing what we have with others.
Many times people find that they are truly happier with a simpler life, and they find the quality of their everyday living can be much higher when they give themselves the gift of time. Think about the simple abundance that is in your community, literally in your own back yard, and share your gifts and talents with others. You can always feel good about helping others, and make a contribution to help others.
A professional helper can guide a person as they explore the reasons they have fallen into the consumerism trap, and help them develop the skills needed to feel okay with living a simpler lifestyle.
