Whether it’s knowledge, experience or materials – passing on what you know or have is good for the soul, the community and the planet

Sharing is a vital life skill, and something children are encouraged to learn at a young age. When you share with others, you discover what compromise and fairness means, the importance of trusted friendships, and how to negotiate and cooperate. After you first allow others to use your football in the playground or tuck into your bowl of jelly at a birthday party, you become aware how others respond positively and how their delight rubs off on you, too. It doesn’t take long to realise that by giving to others, you also reap the benefits.

People share all the time – families share the sofa and snacks while watching TV, colleagues divulge personal insight when facing project challenges, travelling companions share never-to-be-forgotten moments during adventures overseas. Knowledge is shared, as are secrets, opinions, birthdays – and yes, even a pair of garden shears. And the list goes on because sharing is fun, fruitful, generous and improves personal and community wellbeing. Whether it’s the friend who ushers you under her umbrella in the rain, or a yoga teacher divulging personal experience that enables you to stretch further in an asana, a thoughtful gesture or exchange of know-how signals a closeness or special bond. It demonstrates someone cares about you and is happy to help you out – and that’s a nice feeling.