Path to Joy 2023 #5: Generosity
All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection were created by splattering viscous Dylusions shimmer spray on 11×14, 98 pound, Canson mixed media paper, then spritzing with water to see how the colors would run and gather. When dry, stair steps were added to suggest climbing to the stars, a feeling Henry Ward Beecher must have understood when he said, Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven. And Frank A. Clark added, “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” . Art is available with and without text. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. Two years ago, Succeed and Soar’s “Heroic Heart” post was inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “We do not have to become heroes over night. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up.” A random act of kindness qualifies. Three years ago, the 2020 “Paths to Joy” post on Generosity offered Luther Vandross song, “Inside Every Heart is a Hero,” and Scientific American‘s report on the gifts that come from giving as well as the detrimental effects of stinginess. This post presents The Ascent’s findings that high-generosity people: Report greater satisfaction with friendships, family, romance and finances Are happier with what they have Experience higher self esteem And more That said, keep Suze Orman’s words in mind, True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. And remember Scott Adams advice. ‘Generous people take care of their own needs first. In fact, doing so is a moral necessity. The world needs you at your best.” So, of the four steps Psych Alive suggests for practicing generosity, one is: Accept the generosity of others because, “it is important to let others do things for you.” This is called the generosity of acceptance. Read more. The Cleveland Clinic reports that generosity can encourage the brain to secrete chemicals like serotonin [regulates moods], dopamine [pleasure] and oxytocin [a sense of connection to others]. “Giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a ‘helper’s high’ that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combat feelings of depression.” Beyond these ‘feel good’ effects, researchers have found that “giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker.” Read more. Imagine a home then neighborhood, next a city, country and world where people infect each other with energy that seeks one little way, each day to help another with grace and receive kindness with gratitude. Isn’t it worth a try? And why not start with support for Succeed and Soar. I’ll definitely be grateful! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. What happens when one who has so little is asked to help another? Brings to mind Margaret Cho’s words, “Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else’s life forever.” View here. Length: 2 Minutes & 38 Seconds. * Watch Dave Ramsey, an Evangelical Christian discuss how generosity builds wealth and influence. He also tells why God doesn’t need his 10% off-the-top-of-his-earnings tithing and donations. Length: 9 Minutes & 33 Seconds. View Here COMMENT Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Weekender Totes As well as beach towels, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more These chic weekender bags are 24” x 16” Soft spun polyester fabric Have double-stitched seams One-inch thick, white cotton handles Can spot clean or dry cleanhone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $43.25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Weekender Totes Visit Gallery Thanks for supporting!
A Winter Story
Consider A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. — Anonymous One of my delights is finding and presenting special, short videos. So, be sure to click the New Years greeting above. This month’s is a heartwarming story about kindness and community coming together. Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Shop Sandra’s Art on Puzzles Art also available as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more. Each item is individually made, just for you. REEIVE FREE 3×3 Sticker {$5.75 value] from the Paths to Joy Gallery Just send a picture of your puzzle under construction by January 31st. This puzzle is a poster from the Contemplative Art that illustrated Succeed and Soar’s Path’s to Joy series. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” thick paper stock Include a semi-gloss coating that makes the top vibrant Arrives in a puzzle box with artwork printed on top for safe storage Puzzle pieces are unique shapes 18×24-inch 500-piece puzzle is $40— 20×28-inch 1,000-piece puzzle is $44.50 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Purchase this puzzle. Shop All Collections HERE. Depending on Browser, Puzzles may be a stand-alone category or listed in Lifestyle Section. Thanks for shopping!
Sharing Joy & Visual Magic
Please enjoy these two short videos chosen to lift the heart and spirit, our awareness and humanity. Both are under five minutes. Please share. Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Visit Sandra’s Galleries Record inspirations, goals and accomplishments in a Succeed and Soar notebook. They are: 6×8” 120 pages lined on both sides Art printed on front cover [thick paper stock] Inside back cover has pocket for extra paper & pens $15– Click on individual item to purchase or click here to view all spiral notebooks. Thanks for your support!
Path to Joy: 5th of 12 – Generosity
The heart that gives, gathers. – Tao Te Ching Science has found that generosity of mind and spirit as well as time and money does gift givers a lot of good. Scientific American reported an experiment that studied stinginess. Result: Those who held back experienced heightened shame and cortisol levels. We can also live longer. Read more in The 7 Science-Backed Reasons Why Generosity is Good for Your Health. Research also shows that those who give time and resources with kind intentions are rewarded with dopamine and endorphin surges, the body’s feel-good and happiness chemicals. Read more in The Benefits of Giving Things Away. In 1982, as an antidote for the phrase “random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty,” Anne Herbert suggested, “practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” Here are 103 possibilities, which include: Share an overheard compliment. Send people you know notes about why they’re awesome. Leave a big tip. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Keep in mind, The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self. — Fred Rogers * Face Masks Keep glasses from fogging when wearing face masks.Make a no-sew face mask in five minutes. [NOTE: Instead of a scarf, I cut a fabric square from my quilt stash and sewed down the flaps. Total time: 10 minutes.] Fun! This Post’s Featured Art, “Generosity,” A Visual Meditation What I like best about the picture: The dots. Why: The gold and yellow dots are like gentle sunbeams and rain that shower us freely. The red and white, orange and blue dots are flowers that the rain and sunlight nourish, making life both possible and beautiful. What the picture teaches: Nature is a cycle, a circle of giving and receiving. Both are needed for life to flourish. The insights gained: Rain and sunlight are price-less. From that generosity, freely given, earth can sprout meadows full of flowers so that life is refreshed, beautiful, bountiful and joy is possible. * Take this six-minute trip to Ireland and see how one act of kindness a day can change your life. View video. Generosity, kindness, honesty, humor – makes us truly rich. Waylon Lewis NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Visit my On-Line Galleries to see more of my art.