Helping People by Being in the Present: Mindfulness Increases Prosocial Behavior

•Short episodes of mindful practice (7–15 min) can increase prosocial behaviors.•Results for giving time and money as well as responding compassionately.•Prosocial effects mediated by increases in empathy and perspective taking.•More general feelings of positive emotions did not mediate.•Both breath and loving kindness mindfulness practices enhanced prosocial behaviors.