Posts Tagged ‘Philanthropy’
Tis Better to Give Than to Receive
Researchers have found that the mesolimbic pathway is activated by charitable giving. This area is one of the major pathways where you find the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with the brain’s pleasure system. Furthermore, donating also appears to increase the release of oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in social bonding and building trust between people.
So this holiday, find a way to give back. Not only will it make you feel better, but social activities are good stress reducers too. If you and your family are at each others’ throats with too much togetherness, plan an activity together.
Go feed the hungry at a local community center, Walk the dogs at a local shelter, Visit the sick at a hospital, Clean a park or beach together. Having an activity together will take the focus off of each other and give you a reason to work together, bond, and enjoy your dopamine/oxytocin rush. It’s good for your brain.
“Everyone a Changemaker”, Ashoka and Google
What an event yesterday night. My wife and I were fortunate to visit the Google Campus and attend the Sixth Annual North American Fellowship Induction Program of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, a social venture fund where we have been involved for a number of years, and thanks to which (thanks Michele!) my wife and…
Read MoreMicrofinance, and a very sharp brain
We would like to join other bloggers in congratulating Muhammad Yunus for having been awarded the Nobel Peace Price. The genesis of microfinance, in Professor Yunus’ own words. Not often can we find personified examples of what we write about. For 3 out of the last 4 entries in this blog, I can not think…
Read MoreMicrofinance and a Very Sharp Brain
We would like to join other bloggers in congratulating Muhammad Yunus for having been awarded the Nobel Peace Price.
Read MoreThe joy of giving, and the Cognitive and Emotional Health Project: The Healthy Brain
Great article in this week’s The Economist on The joy of giving: Donating to charity rewards the brain. Some quotes: “Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Maryland, wanted to find the neural basis for unselfish acts. They decided to peek into the brains of 19 volunteers who were choosing…
Read MoreOn being positive
One day after 9/11, I would like to depart a bit from the primary focus of this blog and add some personal reflections onBeing Positive and on Appreciation, which is what we probably need to survive in these times. I remember a few years ago when, over brunch, my good friend Rohit proposed that Happiness =…
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