In the words of the Dalai Lama, "a smile heals you and your neighbour" and it seems that science agrees. Many studies have found that exercising compassion can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life.
What the Science Says
Numerous studies have concluded that compassion is not only good for the recipient; it's also good for the giver. Interestingly, many studies have found that both compassion and altruism boosts the brain, improves immunity and may even help you live longer!
One such study out of Michigan analysed 2700 people over 10 years and found that those who volunteered in their community were 2.5 times less likely to die, compared to people who don't volunteer.
Conversely, a Harvard University study found that altruism had a profound impact on graduates' stress levels.
Other studies have pointed to compassion as minimising colds, headaches, pain and insomnia.
Tia Rich the director of Stanford CARES at Stanford University in the US, highlights a fascinating University of Wisconsin study. Tibetan Buddhist monks who had undertaken more than 10,000 hours of compassion mediation practice were analysed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). It was found that the monks who had carried out substantial compassion in their lives had enhanced awareness and attention to emotions.
Also from Stanford University, Dr James Doty says that "compassion not only stimulates one's pleasure (reward) centres, but also leads to a decrease in biological markers of stress and an increase in indices of adaptive immune function."
He sums up by saying that compassion can lead to a longer life, greater happiness and improved health.
No doubt more research will be undertaken in the future to delve into the intriguing link between compassion and happiness.
How to be More Compassionate
While recent studies have found that altruism is most likely linked to our genes and is predetermined by our brain makeup, it can also be taught.
Meditation can be a good place to start. The Dalai Lama says that "analytical meditation is one of the key methods to ransform the mind and the emotions. [It] allows one to change perceptions and attitudes towards oneself, others, and immediate problems."
To learn how to meditate, find a meditation practitioner near you.
Originally published on Aug 08, 2012
