(reprinted from IONS newsletter)

At this time of year, it’s especially clear that how and where we direct our intentions–and our dollars–has immediate impacts on ourselves and the causes we support.

Researchers in the field of consciousness studies have found that giving is good for you–for your health, your happiness, and your sense of purpose!

Consciousness research, which has been studying the science of giving for decades, has taught us that giving and receiving are among the most healing expressions that humans can make. They can help heal the separateness we often feel from ourselves, each other, and the environment.

According to IONS-sponsored research, acts of altruism can elicit a positive immune system response:

• Dr. Jeff Levin, an epidemiologist, found that a correlation exists between almost every dimension of love and patients’ descriptions of better health, more positive emotional well-being, higher self-esteem, and a sense of personal control in their lives.
• Results of IONS’ Compassionate Intention Study suggest that loving or compassionate intention can influence a person’s physiology, ranging from brain activity measurements to skin conductance.

Research by IONS colleague Dr. Stephen Post, professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University and president of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, suggests a strong correlation between a person’s well-being and their inclination toward altruistic acts.

An especially compelling study conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish demonstrated that feelings of increased interconnectedness with others can change gene expression, making relationships critical to health and well-being.

Your contribution to IONS helps bring these ideas into the world. Be part of this new story of our human potential by giving to an organization that supports the advancement of our fundamental interconnectedness!