The Joy of Service: Finding Your Purpose - Serving Others by Serving Yourself
Many of my clients come to me seeking a greater sense of direction or purpose. I introduce them to the idea that discovering this lies in serving others, through first serving yourself. This concept, grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience, reveals a profound truth: true purpose often emerges from the balance of self-care and altruism.
The Science Behind Service
A study published in the journal Nature Communications in 2020 provides compelling evidence for the psychological and neurological benefits of helping others. Researchers examined the brain activity of individuals engaged in acts of altruism and found significant activation in areas associated with reward and pleasure, particularly the ventral striatum and the medial prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that helping others triggers a release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, reinforcing the notion that altruism is inherently rewarding .
Serving Yourself to Serve Others
Before we can effectively serve others however, we must first take care of ourselves. When we are mentally, emotionally, and physically balanced, we have more to give. Self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and healthy nutrition enhance our well-being, making us more resilient and empathetic.
A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology explored the relationship between self-care and altruism. The researchers found that individuals who regularly engaged in self-care practices reported higher levels of life satisfaction and were more likely to engage in prosocial behaviours. This correlation underscores the importance of self-care as a foundation for effective service to others .
Integrating Self-Care and Altruism
Here are practical ways to integrate self-care and altruism into your life:
Mindful Practices: Start your day with mindfulness meditation or yoga. These practices help centre your mind, reducing stress and increasing your capacity for empathy and patience with yourself and others.
Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritise a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, enhancing your ability to help others. It also serves as a positive example and supports others in their wellness journey.
Personal Growth: Engage in activities that foster personal development, such as reading, journaling, or attending workshops. Continuous learning and growth enable you to offer deeper insights and support to those around you. It also brings you more clarity about what is truly important in your life and you act accordingly.
Community Involvement: Give your time and skills to causes you are passionate about. Whether it’s mentoring, participating in community clean-ups, or supporting local charities, find ways to give back that resonate with your values.
The Ripple Effect of Service
When we serve ourselves, we become better equipped to serve others. This creates a positive feedback loop, where our acts of kindness not only enhance our well-being but also inspire and uplift those around us. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Embracing this balance of self-care and altruism can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life and can unlock a profound sense of purpose, joy and peace. By nurturing ourselves, we cultivate the strength, compassion, and resilience needed to make a meaningful difference in the world around us. In doing so, your own life can transform in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Cutuli, D., Zanon, F., Di Pino, G., & Gazzaniga, V. (2020). Neurobiological mechanisms of altruism and prosociality: Insights from recent neuroscientific studies. Nature Communications, 11, Article 4451. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18187-7Huppert, F. A., & So, T. T. C. (2019). Flourishing through self-care and altruism: A study of well-being in a community setting. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 1234. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01234