On the very first day of my university Happiness course, students are told they will be required to do a service project as part of the semester and write a short paper that reflects on their experiences. While it is a project some of our students initially regard as a time-consuming distraction from their already busy college lives, by the end of the course it actually turns out to be one of their favorite assignments of the entire semester. It’s equally a joy for us professors to read their reflections, as students invariably report their surprise discovering how performing acts of service and generosity to others actually allow them to experience a Happy Brain!
As ongoing brain science research suggests, the likely reason for this phenomenon can be explained back to the MNS. It appears the mirror neuron system switches on when you observe how your acts of kindness positively benefit the recipient. In turn, acting out of compassion co-activates your own feelings of contentment and joy when acknowledging the good you just did.
The Happiness Strategy of Compassion generates what I call a “wavelength of happiness” for you and the recipient of your kindness. It does this by fostering social solidarity and social resilience among the tribe, and It’s also why you experience a sense of contentment when acting altruistically—your Social Brain rewards you with genuine feelings of happiness. In a nutshell, you feel good when you do good for others!
The Happiness Strategy of Compassion remains potent for another reason. Expressing compassion and acting altruistically are an evolutionary advantage that favors human survival. We instinctively come to the aid of others in moments of pain and panic, in times of strife and stress. We equally rejoice in times of abundance and happiness of others.
Exercise:
- Engage in a service project:
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter
- Volunteer to be a crisis line operator
- Walk a dog at the local SPCA
- Volunteer to read at a school or library
- Engage in ongoing actions:
- Hold the elevator for someone
- Allow someone to merge in front of you in traffic
- Say please and thank you
- Engage with passion and compassion no matter the situation
Video: Operation Boatlift: A Hero is a Man Who Does What He Can