The title is an old Offspring song...but nevermind that....
Giving is more than the offering of objects (money, moving a friend with your truck, lending) it is the process of offering who you are. I think we just imagine it to be in the form of objects because it's easier to think of it that way but that's not completely true.
First off...some background...why do we give? I think it's important to give because it is the recognition and understanding that we all posses the same basic goodness. I give to a homeless man because on a heart level despite his possible "bad stuff"...despite any scars he carries...I give because I know he has good and is made up of the same stuff as I am.
Now...what is generosity....I believe that it is based in knowing what you are capable of giving. This does NOT only mean objects. It means love, support, care and openness.
It means running late but staying with someone who is clearly in pain....it is seeing a low bank account but still offering a loan to a friend who is in dire need...it is not knowing what to say to a friend in need, but just holding their hand...
You see...being generous is the world providing us with the oppotunity to offer ourselves. We do it not for the boost we will get...or the attention it will gain...we do it because we recognize the need to be a person...the need to offer ourselves to the other. To be in service. I believe that there is no greater calling than to be in service of the other.
This is important....the act of giving and the act of thinking of the other, instead of yourself, provides a natural perkiness...a natural feeling of happy. In giving to others, you are focused on them, pulling away from what is going on with you. In giving, we reconnect with our own goodness and find inspiration for your journey. Life is less difficult when you practice giving. It is the sharing of your gifts and your sharing of who you are. This pulls you out of your own head...out of your own stuff.
Now readers...I'm not saying become superheroes and fight evil at every turn...although that would be cool. I'm saying that you need to be present with the world and offer help when the opportunity arises. Picking up some trash on your way to work...giving money to a charity...letting someone else go before you...
Give. Get it?
err...I meant.....give it!
No comments:
Post a Comment