There is a growing body of research suggesting that mindfulness, the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment, can lead to increased feelings of compassion and empathy, which in turn can lead to greater acts of altruism. One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who practiced mindfulness were more likely to exhibit selfless behavior, such as giving money to charity or volunteering their time to help others.
Another study, published in the journal Emotion, found that mindfulness can lead to increased feelings of interconnectedness with others, which can motivate individuals to engage in prosocial behaviors. This is because mindfulness allows individuals to see the inherent value and worth of every person, leading to a greater sense of compassion and empathy.
Moreover, mindfulness can also help individuals overcome obstacles that may prevent them from engaging in altruistic behavior. For example, mindfulness can help individuals let go of their own ego and self-centeredness, which can sometimes get in the way of helping others. Mindfulness can also help individuals overcome fear and anxiety, which can also prevent them from taking action to help others.
In short, there is evidence to suggest that mindfulness can lead to increased feelings of compassion and empathy, which in turn can lead to greater acts of altruism. By helping individuals let go of their own ego and overcome fear and anxiety, mindfulness can provide the mental space and clarity needed to engage in selfless behavior.