a charge...the circle of generosity

This month, our circle has been energized by the big impact that small gestures of kindness can have. Whether it's grabbing coffee for the person behind you, holding the door, or assisting a neighbor with some spring clean-up–no matter the action, acts of generosity leave us feeling lifted even after the moment has passed.

But it doesn't stop there...

According to a recent article by Happify Daily, recipients of kindness want to keep paying it forward, says James Fowler, professor of medical genetics and political science at the University of California, San Diego.

In one of Fowler's studies, he discovered that a single act of kindness typically inspired several more acts of altruism. The scientific name for this chain of altruism is “upstream reciprocity." Like a stone thrown into the ocean, the ripples far extend the initial impact.

In many South African cultures, the concept of "ubuntu" - "I am because we are" - is widely embraced. This philosophy encourages kindness through sharing resources and taking care of one another.

Over the next few weeks, we'd love to have you join us in embracing this notion...

Maybe you offer child care or make a meal for someone in your community struggling during the pandemic, perhaps you can throw a quarter into a stranger's parking meter, or send a note to an old pal thanking them for their friendship.

Curious? Come along and make it a goal to have completed one random act of kindness in the next month.

We bet you'll be glad you did.