August 2016
n
Beachwood Buzz
3
Letter from
THE EDITOR
By Debby Zelman Rapoport
Share the best of what
you have and find
contentment in this
no matter the results."
Robert K. Carsten
Last month's issue of Pastel Journal contained some information worthy of sharing. In an article written
by edtor-in-chief Anne Hevener, she wrote, "Having your artistic talent recognized and earning an award
in a competition are, of course, satisfying and worthy goals, but I've always felt that one of the greatest
benefits of participation in juried competitions is simply getting to put your work in front of top profes-
sionals who share a passion for pastel." She then quoted juror and artist Robert K. Carsten, who wrote,
"Entering shows is really about sharing, not competing. Share the best of what you have and find content-
ment in this no matter the results."
As children, we learn how to share; yet at the time, we don't recognize that sharing is scientifically prov-
en to boost our personal well-being. According to Paul Zak, founding director of the Center for Neuro-
economics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, sharing has a positive chemical reaction within the
brain. According to his research, when people share and experience gratitude, or any sense of connection,
their brains will release the hormone oxytocin which is known to relieve stress, improve immune function
and foster trust in human interactions, all of which contribute to greater well-being and happiness.
Whether one shares talents, physical items, kindness or knowledge in business or personal situations
effective collaboration is at its core. Here are some other benefits of sharing:
Sharing helps you grow.
We all have a fixed set of skills that make us proficient in specific areas. When we share, we learn from
others and increase our proficiency.
Sharing helps you stay motivated.
When we are exposed to someone with different skills and know-how, we become motivated and want
more from ourselves.
Sharing provides recognition.
Sharing gives your talents more exposure, and recognition is a powerful motivator, so sharing moti-
vates us to further pursue our talents.
Sharing helps generate new ideas.
When we share different skills and experiences collide, eye-opening ideas and solutions emerge.
Sharing provides a sense of purpose.
Sharing creates a sense of purpose, while work without purpose is no work at all.
Sharing makes us feel good.
When we share, we help people and vice versa. Gratitude then kicks in, which makes us feel good.
Sharing makes life real.
When important events happen, whether good or bad, sharing with others makes them come to life.
Sharing helps us to perfect what we do.
When we share ideas, we are exposed to a side we may never have considered before, which helps us
become more proficient at what we do.
When we share, we give, we receive, we connect, we listen and we think allowing us to do bigger
things in less time. When more minds come together, we are better able to come up with new and won-
derful ideas. When we share, the world opens up in new ways. The "knowledge is power" adage is long
dead. Today's reality is that sharing is knowledge, and it benefits everybody. So share the best of what you
have and find contentment in this no matter the results.