Altruism
New Ideas for Altruistic Acts
Would having an enjoyable conversation with someone be altruistic?
Posted January 28, 2010
I am trying to think of new possibilities for altruistic acts. Feeding people who are homeless has been successful, but I also want to expand my horizons. I want to make this project a challenge. I am starting to get a ritual to my current acts. I want to push myself more. I do find it easy to find things to do if I am open to the idea. It actually seems very easy to find kind things to do.
One idea I had for an altruistic act is talking with people and showing genuine caring for them (I was inspired by an entry on Mark Goulston's blog on Psychology Today). While feeding people who are homeless, I would try to give them the food and escape before they noticed. I think part of that was trying not to get gratitude about my actions. Another part of it might have been my discomfort in meeting new people. Maybe an altruistic act could be just sitting with someone and listening to them. Making them feel heard and supported. That is, in Dacher Keltner's words to increase their Jen Ratio.
Let's see what happens. I will try to attempt this in the next few days.
Please add new ideas for altruistic acts in the comments.