The Bounty of September: Harvesting Kindness and Connection

By Dr. Anton Anderssen

Vice Chair, Mensa Hawaii

Across America, the warm days of summer gradually yield to the crispness of fall, and September emerges as a month of abundance and reflection. The harvest season is upon us, a time when the fruits of our labor are gathered, celebrated, and shared. This tangible act of reaping what we have sown in our gardens mirrors a profound truth in our social and emotional lives. The seeds of kindness we plant and nurture in our interactions with others ultimately yield a rich harvest of happiness, support, and fulfillment.

Planting Seeds of Kindness

In gardening, the effort invested in planting, watering, and caring for plants determines the bounty of the harvest. Similarly, in our social lives, the acts of kindness and generosity we extend to others often return to us in unexpected and rewarding ways. A study by Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, and Schkade (2005) found that performing acts of kindness boosts happiness and well-being not only for the recipient but also for the giver. This reciprocal nature of kindness creates a cycle of positivity and goodwill that enriches everyone involved.

Cultivating Connections

Human connections, much like gardens, require attention and care. Cultivating relationships through empathy, understanding, and shared experiences strengthens the bonds that hold us together. Research by Holt-Lunstad, Smith, and Layton (2010) emphasizes the importance of social connections, demonstrating that individuals with strong social ties have a 50% increased likelihood of longevity compared to those with weaker connections. This highlights the vital role that nurturing relationships plays in our overall well-being and longevity.

The Science of Generosity

Generosity, an essential component of kindness, has been shown to have significant benefits for both mental and physical health. A study by Dunn, Aknin, and Norton (2008) revealed that spending money on others leads to greater happiness compared to spending money on oneself. This finding aligns with the ancient wisdom of Greek philosopher Aristotle, who said, “The essence of life is to serve others and do good.” Aristotle’s insights remind us that our actions and intentions toward others are the true measure of a fulfilling life.

Harvesting the Rewards

Growing up in Amish territory in the Midwest, September was always a time of revelation. The effort and care put into our work throughout the year became evident as the literal fruits of our labor materialized before our eyes. This experience encapsulates the broader truth that our investments in kindness and connection yield tangible and meaningful rewards.

"The purpose of life is the exercise of virtue, in the pursuit of a happy life."- Aristotle

The wisdom of ancient philosophers is echoed in the findings of modern science. The acts of kindness we extend and the relationships we nurture are investments that yield profound and lasting rewards. By sowing seeds of kindness and making the most of our social connections, we create a bountiful harvest that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.

In September, let us take a moment to appreciate the bountiful harvest of kindness and connection we have cultivated. Celebrate the joys of giving and receiving, and embrace the profound truth that in life, as in gardening, we truly reap what we sow.

References

• Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687-1688.
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
• Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131.
• Aristotle. (n.d.). The Nicomachean Ethics.

First published in MENSAloha, the newsletter of Mensa Hawaii, September 2024, Volume 61, No. 9, Issue 610