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Over the last few months, there have been many opportunities for us to show our generosity towards others in our willingness to share and to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need.
At the beginning of the corona lockdown, it seemed that the crisis would really bring out the worst in people. Selfishness seemed to rule the (shopping) world as people stockpiled toilet paper in their basements. On the other hand, this crisis also brought out the best in many people. For example, as a church family, we mobilised ourselves to form a telephone chat network and helped with shopping for those who were unable to go out.
In a recently published article*, Philippe Tobler, neuro-economist at the Zurich University (UZH) explains that, “the Corona crisis has made us increasingly aware that we are all connected and that our behavior is not without effect for others,”. He goes on to say that “we depend on the people around us and they depend on us.” In his research, Tobler deals with the question of what happens in our brains when we show generosity, and explores the link between our generosity towards others and our own happiness. In short, the research confirms what we hopefully already knew and shows that acts of kindness and generosity towards others also make us happy.
This weeks Faith at Home episode for Parents and Families focuses on the theme of Generosity – reflections, prayers, thoughts, fun and ideas to try at home – featuring contributions from children and young people across the UK. You can find the video, along with Paul’s weekly podcast and a listing of other English language services, via the Sunday Worship link at the top of the Prayer and Worship page.
*You can read the article in full by following this link https://innovationorigins.com/science-has-figured-it-out-this-is-why-generosity-makes-us-happy/
Don’t forget that whether you are worshipping in church or at home today, we can all come together later this morning for our virtual cuppa – Grab a cup of tea or coffee at 11:30 and join us for a chance to have a chat with others from St Andrew’s.
All are welcome and there is no agenda for this conversation. To join the meeting, click here to email the Chaplain for the details.