A while ago, I was getting ready to travel for some speaking arrangements. After much planning and preparation, my flight to London was cancelled due to landing problems at the destination airport. I had checked my bags in and was at the airport for a few hours. It meant going through the process of getting my bags - even more strenuous than normal arrival from overseas. Nonetheless the extra time I got with the family far outweighed the inconveniences.
When you are called to give, you will rationalize to give or not to give.
You might say, 'the economy is bad', 'my circumstances are not good', 'the time is not right', 'I gave a lot in the past', etc, and you might pass this time.
Alternatively, you will rationalize: 'I am healthy, enjoy peace, breathe fresh air, have support from my family, am blessed. Therefore I must give something.'
You can rationalize either way and justify your actions. I hope you will rationalize to give instead of not to give.
Here is an excerpt of the piece written by Jessica Ravitz:
As I sat back and spent time some time today to reflect, I got a new perspective on:
- my professional commitments and planning
- my health and spirituality
- my family and other
These new insights gave me renewed energy and focus.
This time of reflection is a gift we can give ourselves!
At least once a week, if not more often, it would be great to pause and reflect on your life and experience the power of giving to oneself.
We went to Ambleside in West Vancouver, B.C. for a family picnic yesterday.
I have lived in Vancouver 29 years and have been to Ambleside quite a number of times. I always felt it was a nice place to go. However, today I saw a different side to it - breath taking beauty and majesty! This made me feel gentle and more giving to my family and close ones.
What changed? It could be because I walked towards an area that I had never gone before. Or, it could be that I was more relaxed and open to take in the beauty?
Being authentic is powerful! It reflects your true self - with all its beauty, grace and wisdom.
Everyone's inner self is pure. It connects to all creation, not just other humans. The inner spirit is what unites us.
Khalil Gibran says, "You give little when you give of your possessions, it is when you give of yourself, that you truly give." True giving thus begins with authenticity.
Feeling happy for other's success is a sign of a great giver.
Wish unto others what you wish for yourself is a mantra that will lead you to happiness, peace and success.
People who feel miserable about others' success have a hard time being happy with life.
Everyone is fighting their own battle, and when success comes to them it is a relief and usually an outcome of hard work.
The key to remember is their success is not at your expense and does not take away anything from your life.
Rejoicing in other's victory is an act of giving.
How about you?
My Dad turned 81 the other day. This is a note I sent him:
Dearest Dad,
You have been a great father, grandfather and role model;
You have spent your life serving the family and mankind;
Your life is not only a successful life, but also a significant one;
Every time I meet people who know you, they have nothing but great admiration for your character and dedication;
You have trusted your children unconditionally, giving them a sound foundation;
I am very fortunate and grateful for having you as my dad;
Thank you and I love you;
The sun, the earth, the water and whole of nature keep giving without any conditions. It does not expect anything back.
Giving is inherent in nature, and so it is supposed to be in humans. When we give unconditionally we become one with nature and feel harmony with our surroundings.
As someone who is interested in giving you probably have heard this quote below:
“If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way."
- Buddha (563 BC - 483 BC)
I only heard this about a year after Azim and I wrote The Power of Giving. But it eloquently states that basic principle that the more you know about giving, the more you want to share.
