Here is an excerpt of the piece written by Jessica Ravitz:
"Studies show that giving, which extends beyond packages wrapped in ribbons, does a person good. In this holiday season, CNN introduces with this story a special series we're calling "Giving in Focus: The 12 Days of Goodness," in which we'll highlight acts of kindness and generosity that we hope will inspire.
Has someone done a good deed for you? Share your story.
One person who can attest to the power of giving is Cami Walker, a 36-year-old woman who received a prescription to give when her multiple sclerosis, a diagnosis she got at age 33, left her a physical and emotional wreck.
She could barely get out of bed, and yet Mbali Creazzo, a friend and spiritual mentor, single-handedly killed Walker's pity party. She said, "'Cami, you really need to stop thinking about yourself. ... You're feeding this disease,'" Walker remembers. "She said, 'I have a prescription for you. Give away 29 gifts in 29 days.' "
People are looking for that place inside of them where they are of some use.
--Mbali Creazzo, spiritual adviser
Creazzo, a South African born medicine woman who lives in Oakland, California, explained that the idea, rooted in indigenous practices, was taught to her, although the number of days prescribed may have been different.
"Altruism has been going on for thousands of years," said Creazzo, 58. "Why it's so powerful at this moment is because of what's happening in the world today. People are looking for that place inside of them where they are of some use.""
... and a quote from our very own:
" For Azim Jamal, a motivational speaker and co-author of the best-seller "The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All," the excitement about this topic is rooted in the possibilities of what might be -- the ripple effect.
If everyone gave time, money, talents or passion, what could that mean for individuals, communities, even the world?
"The power of giving is instantaneous, continuous and eternal," he said. "When you die, you don't take what you have. You take what you gave."
To read the full article and share your story of the power of giving please go to:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/12/14/power.of.giving/index.html
