Most of us get a warm and satisfying feeling when we “give” something to someone special in our life. Or when our gift to a coworker elicits smiles and gratitude. Or when we write that check to a charity that supports a cause we believe deeply in.
Why is that? We just voluntarily gave away something we could have kept for ourselves, or something of significant value. Why do we feel so good about it? Perhaps the source of that “warm and tingly” feeling from giving to others has its roots in an unexpected source – our Inner Animal instincts!
Did you know that giving has been part of animal culture and their survival for centuries? Among social mammals, a hierarchy exists, and in addition to order and efficiency, that hierarchy also affects who gets food and resources and how much.
Even today in a wild pack of dogs, when he has more than he needs, the Top Dog willingly shares with others who have less.
The strongest and smartest at the top of the hierarchy has first claim to food and all important resources, but what they do not consume or need, they pass down to the next in line and so forth. In this way the leader survives, but the rest do, too. (Granted, some more comfortably than others.)
Even today in a wild pack of dogs, when he has more than he needs, the Top Dog willingly shares with others who have less. I don’t imagine there are many warm and tingly feelings going on in Nature’s greater scenario with all her social species, but such an existential social pattern has been and is undeniably crucial to their survival.
When we humans share our own bounty with others, we are following a most ancient and important ritual. Those who have what they need to survive, share the extra with others. Those that have much, often share much and those that have less share less, but in both cases, the act of giving feels good. It feels “right.” Could it be that deep in our Inner Animal, this act of giving completes us and our call of Nature to assure the survival of our human “pack” today?
Something to think about when you are wrapping those gifts this holiday season and experiencing your own “warm and tingly” feelings in the process. You might just be connecting with your ancient past.
Camilla
To connect with Camilla directly, or to have her to speak to your company or group, go to