Sangha of Auspicious Companions

August 3, 2024

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The Benefits of Volunteering

Experience and research show that while volunteering is good in and of itself, volunteers may receive as much or more than they give. Some of the benefits: it keeps people active; leads to new friendships, less loneliness, and more social support; it instills a sense of purpose, and improves self-esteem and self-confidence; and they feel a sense of accomplishment. Researchers find volunteering may even help people live longer because of physical health benefits such as reduced inflammation. While beneficial at any age, it is especially helpful to retirees. To get started, there are many organizations that pair skills with volunteer opportunities, and asking friends or relatives for recommendations is also an effective way to find a good fit. One long-time volunteer noted: “A lot of the time it’s right in front of you,” he said. “What do you love? What do you want to do? And now you can do that.” { read more }

Be The Change

Think about what you love, and what you want to give. If you don’t already volunteer, reach out today to a friend, relative, or organization to find one way to share the love. Join in the dance!

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August 1, 2024

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Meet the Rodents Saving Lives

Daniel may scan through debris in a search-and-rescue mission, detect a landmine, identify a positive TB sample, or find an illegal product poached from wildlife. When he is successful, he pulls a switch on his custom-made vest to signal success. Daniel is rewarded with a smoothie and peanuts, and he is happy with those because he is an African giant pouched rat. Being small and lightweight with an acute sense of smell, he is able to maneuver in cramped spaces, and quickly locate his target. Since 2003, a non-profit’s trained rats “have helped find over 160,000 mines and other explosives, and its TB-detection rats have screened more than a half-million patients.” They require extensive training, are very clever, and have unique personalities. Says one trainer, “We’re cognizant that not everybody loves rats as much as we do.” Yet, they are confident of the potential to extend their capabilities, and work together to save lives. { read more }

Be The Change

Choose a creature of which you may not be very fond. Learn about them and their gifts to life’s web. If possible, seek out the creature and express your appreciation, or simply thank them in the silence of your heart.

DailyGood is a volunteer-run initiative that delivers “good news” to 149,559 subscribers. There are many ways to help. To unsubscribe, click here.

Other ServiceSpace projects include:

KindSpring // KarmaTube // Conversations // Awakin // More