We've all certainly experienced an act of kindness - a memorable event when someone, perhaps even a complete stranger, came to our aid when we least expected it:  a flat tire changed, a casserole baked, a helping hand with a heavy load.   When we are at the receiving end of an act of kindness, no matter how small, we experience lowered stress levels and a lift in our spirits. 

Apparently, so does the giver of the good deed.  In recent years, there has been a host of research studies that indicate that doing good can indeed be good for you.  "Helper's high," the rush of adrenaline that altruistic people can sometimes feel after doing a good deed for someone else, has been linked to lowered stress levels, improved immunity from illness, and longer life, in addition to a general sense of calm and positive well-being.  And these feelings lead to the desire to do more good deeds, thus lifting your own spirits as well as those of whom you help. 

According to Stephen G. Post, PhD, a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a prominent researcher in the study of the biological effects of altruism, "All the great spiritual traditions and the field of positive psychology are emphatic on this point -- that the best way to get rid of bitterness, anger, rage, jealousy is to do unto others in a positive way" (WebMD). 

And so, as counter-intuitive as it may seem, if you're feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed (and who isn't in today's economy?), the best way to help yourself is by helping others.

Source:

The Science of Good Deeds, WebMD, www.webmd.com

For more information:

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, www.actsofkindness.org

SmileCard Project, www.helpothers.org

For a D.C.-area Positive Psycholgy workgroup, see the "Happy Psychology" monthly meeting description in the Upcoming Events section or visit The Inner Arts Center, www.theinnerarts.com, for more information.

The Good Deed Guide:  Simple Ways to Make The World A Better Place

This little unassuming pocket guide carries a wallop in its message:  even small kindnesses throughout the day can make a world of good over time.  Topics include how to help an injured bird, how to make chicken soup for a sick friend, how to become an organ donor.  Parents and children can explore together how to make the world a kinder, gentler place - one good deed at a time.

Meet Lana, the Queen of King Street! 

Many of you knew our little shop kitty, Felix, who died last year after a long and happy life.  The shop has felt pretty empty since then without our little "buddha buddy" to greet customers and keep us company.  So we've recently started working with our next door neighbors, The King Street Cats (www.kingstreetcats.org), to foster rescued kittens and cats until they find their "forever home."  Our current foster feline is Lana:

Lana is almost one-year-old and is part Maine Coon, part TIGER !  She's a little kitty with a BIG personality.    She's really sweet, friendly, and cuddly but she does not get along with other cats or dogs.  She'll love you all to pieces if you'll let her be the QUEEN of your castle!  Come see Lana anytime when the shop is open, she would love to meet you!

Mon                   closed

Tues - Wed        noon - 8 p.m.

(NOTE:  on Aug. 19 & 20, we wll be open from 2PM to 8pm)

Thurs - Sat        noon - 10 p.m.