GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT

In light of Thanksgiving I offer these thoughts, brought home to me by this experience of seeking a “better” way to live.

My reading of late has been varied but concentrated mostly on THE BOOK OF JOY, interviews with the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Tutu by Douglas Abrams.  It has awakened a new spirit in me, the spirit of generosity.  “In generosity, there is a wider perspective, in which we see our connection to all others.  There is a humility that recognizes our place in the world and acknowledges that at another time we could be the one in need, whether that need is material, emotional, or spiritual.  There is a sense of humor and an ability to laugh at ourselves so that we do not take ourselves too seriously.  There is an acceptance of life, in which we do not force life to be other than what it is.  There is a forgiveness of others and a release of what might otherwise have been.  There is a gratitude for all that we have been given.  Finally, we see others with a deep compassion and a desire to help those who are in need.”

Raised as a PK-as much as I loved my parents-I was taught to look and act “properly” and to keep all things in order.  I remember moments of generosity of church members but it was almost as if it was our right to receive.  I don’t remember ever discussing the kindness of those acts or that we ourselves should practice generosity.  Over my years of nursing and marriage I became stingy with my time and resources.  I often turned inward rather than reaching out-unless I was on the clock.  At this point in my life, my house and mind cleared of clutter, it strikes me what giving is all about, what generosity truly means.

It is not just a gesture, a word, or a “random act of kindness”, though those things certainly are included.  It is also allowing a person to be who they are without judgement (spoken or unspoken) about their clothes, their words, their deeds.  It is always having something to share, whether it is food, words or time.  Now more than ever we are in need of kindness, understanding and generosity.  In need of moments shared and savored.  It doesn’t take much time or effort to offer a smile or hold a door open.  To listen without imposing our own agenda.  And the rewards of giving bounce back to soothe our own hearts and souls.

So many have reached out to us in this major life transition we’ve taken on.  The basket of kitchen items and food left on the back porch after the movers left, the coat loaned for weeks without hesitation-after the movers left with mine, the offer of a car to be loaned for a full day followed by a ride to the motel before we fly out, the offers of assistance upon our arrival in Ajijic, the shared wisdom of words and healing hands, the offered insight of a healer, the reassurance that this move is brave and courageous and amazing-and can be reversed without penalty if the “experiment” doesn’t work out.  My heart is full.  And cracked wide open.  And I am Thank-full.

So this Holiday season I challenge you to think about what giving truly means.  It isn’t the rush of the crowds to buy the latest advertised items.  It isn’t the strain of working full-time and trying to be the one to “do it all” for the family.  It isn’t a competition of gifts.  It is the Generosity of Spirit that each of us has to offer, if only we let down our guard, stop our internal chatter, and remember that we are all in this together.  What can I do for you today?

I WISH FOR YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS FILLED WITH JOY, GENEROSITY, ABUNDANCE, AND KINDNESS.