The Art of Generosity
Firstly, Happy summer days. That extra bit of sunshine seems to influence the very best in people, enjoy it.
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about the the power of generosity. It is one of the most profound ways to help you centre in the heart place while anchoring you in your values. Generosity can give you a tremendous freedom from your limitations but when not done in the right light, the amazing benefits can be lost.
My father use to say "when in doubt, be the more generous of the two." I have used this philosophy through my life but it was only when I got sick that I realized that I was going about generosity wrong. I was feeling that I had to own what I was giving. Sometimes the suffering of others was just too heavy and difficult to carry so it starts to create a stress, a dis-ease.
When I was on the journey to heal my body from breast cancer I had to be very focused on the oneness of body, mind and spirt. No matter how much you care, when you worry for someone or something and the circumstance feels bigger than your capacity to help, you carry it and it gets heavy and eats at you, one way or another.
One morning in meditation I felt as though I threw my hands in the air and my heart to powers that be and asked "how can we make a difference and not carry the weight of the world in our hearts?" The answer was quick and clear. The visual was an image of having one hand in the air and one reaching out. The voice was "be a conduit, witness what comes through you. It is not yours to own. Draw from source not within." Then what comes through you is also a gift to yourself in the process without the burden. I remind myself of this visual when I catch myself being bogged down with worry and it lightens my load. Generosity is great and when you incorporate this art of the process, it's a win/ win and you can experience being helpful and free.
This generosity that offers liberation to the heart and spirt is not to be confused with score evening. You're kind to me so I'm kind to you is an ego game with nowhere near the reward as allowing acts of kindness to travel through you.
Also, when we are living in scarcity and feel we can only be generous when our ship comes is another mental prison. We are all capable of making a positive difference in the world much more easily than we think and we don't have to own it either but be witness. How amazing is that? The art of generosity is immeasurable..
Meditative | Experiential | Retreats, Ireland 2019.
May 12th - 18th and September 1st - 7th.
On retreat we exercise mindful presence and listen with kindness to our hearts amidst enchanting landscapes.
Retreat with me.
email me for details: gisele@tbds.org
with love, a lotus and a smile,
Gisele
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
