The Science of Generosity

John Templeton Foundation

People demonstrate generosity in myriad ways, from gifts of time and money to everyday acts of kindness toward loved ones—and even to deeds that involve substantial self-sacrifice, like donating a kidney to a stranger. But we are often nowhere near as generous as we could (or even aspire to) be. In short: although we have the capacity to be generous, we don’t always act generously. The John Templeton Foundation did an extensive study of “The Science of Generosity,” answering many important questions.

Generosity with Self

Pam Kramer, ITPI Board member and ITP teacher

Generosity with self is no small feat. We can be more dedicated to giving to others and overlook the importance of tending to our own needs. Generosity with self is essential to transform, especially through our ITP practice. In this essay, Pam Kramer describes her take on the topic.

Generosity in Relationship

Sally Isaacs, ITPI newsletter coordinator and member

Generosity with another can take place in everyday situations. In my experience, generosity in relationship to another affects both of us. It happened on my boxing team.

Generosity within Community

Robert Doenges, ITPI Board and ITP Tulsa group member

ITPI is the epitome of generosity within community, starting with the work and inspiration of Michael Murphy and George Leonard. The fruit of their generosity has blossomed throughout the world.

Generosity in the World

Michael Choy, ITP Palo Alto group member

Michael Choy explains how his “excessive volunteering” is deeply connected to honoring his father. In an effort to become more balanced, vital, and healthy, he poses some questions for all of us.

Affirming Generosity as a Transformative Practice

Barry Robbins, ITPI Board member and ITP teacher

Affirmations are one of the most potent practices that ITP offers. They can be a powerful vehicle for transformation. Affirming generosity can come in many forms and offer many enriching benefits.

My Thoughts About Generosity

Rich Sigberman, ITP San Rafael group member

On the face of it, one could think that generosity is directly opposed to the survival instinct. Isn’t thinking “me, first” a major part of survival, and isn’t survival what every thought and action boils down to? This is pretty basic stuff. Why, then, bother being generous? Why give away one’s money, wisdom, and most precious of all, time, to anyone or anything else? Why does generosity, in its purest sense, feel so good?

It's Time for Infectious Generosity – A TED Talk

“You don’t need to be big to be powerful. You just need to be infectious!” Learn a new way to think about generosity from Chris Anderson, the curator at TED, the nonprofit organization that provides idea-based TED Talks.

Giving and Receiving in the Kata

Pam Kramer showcases Rowing from the ITP Kata

The Rowing practice found in the Kata is an opportunity to visualize extending our gifts out into the world and generously receiving back. The back-and-forth motion evokes balance and is, in the Aikido tradition, a purification practice for one’s entire being. It's generosity in action for oneself!

Generosity Assessment

Each of us has a unique relationship with generosity with room to grow to reach our potential for generosity. Take a look at this Generosity Assessment and start making positive changes.

10 Steps for Generosity with Yourself

Josephine Laing, author

It may not feel easy to be generous with yourself. Many of us feel that our energy should be directed toward giving generously to others. Yet, when we nurture ourselves, we can be more available for others. Generosity with self begins with self-love. Here are ten steps to self-love by Josephine Laing.

Cultivating Evolutionary Love

Our feelings of generosity toward others can be enhanced by cultivating Evolutionary Love. One way to develop evolutionary love is by sending blessings. Here is some helpful guidance.

Community Spotlight

Rachel Hamilton, ITPI Board member and ITP member

Learn more about Rachel Hamilton and the ways that a "bad boyfriend" experience opened her life to an ITP practice that enhances her life. Read what generosity means to her. “Generosity is the impulse to share what I have with others. I particularly love to share my spaces and my energy to create sweet gatherings. Vitamin C(onnection) is something we all need, and I love being the person to create the space for us to be with one another and be alive with one another, whether it be to share joy or to process grief.”

Living An Extraordinary Life

Christina Grote & Pam Kramer, co-authors

Experience the spirit of generosity in our latest book, Living an Extraordinary Life. This book is about the vast potential living inside us all and a practice to explore it for yourself. Christina Grote and Pamela Kramer present the evolution of ITP to a world that needs it now!