Did you know we possess a “love hormone”? Did you know its other name is the “longevity hormone”? Did you know that one of the special attributes of this hormone is that we never run out, even as we age? I didn’t know any of that. And in case you didn’t either, here’s some other good news about this little built-in “wonder drug.”
It is produced and released not when we receive but when we give: love, touch, caring for others rather than our self.
While it’s often most associated with all aspects of baby production, it’s released any time the nervous system feels safe, when we feel calm, peaceful, and giving, when we’re focused on the wellbeing of others. When we’re giving, in our generosity toward others, and this miracle hormone is produced, our giving is far more beneficial to us than to the receiver. And, it even assists in reducing memory loss!
How do we get more of this great stuff? Turns out it’s controlled by a positive feedback mechanism in which release of the hormone causes an action that stimulates more of its own release. Seems all that’s required is for us to learn to be more giving and to care more about each other. Turns out loving which leads to giving ups our production of this love hormone which leads to a longer, happier, healthier life.
Isn’t it wonderful that science confirms what spiritual types have known from the beginning of human existence, that Love is the answer and that it is more blessed to give than to receive?
Or as this hormone proves, it’s most blessed to give and to receive.
Speaking of the happiness of giving, it’s still possible to donate to our fellow Sangha who have taken up the 5-Mile Challenge in support of the Africa Vulnerable Children Project.
In Gassho,
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