What is the literal meaning of giving? It is providing someone an experience by giving them something.
But I think otherwise. A very special form of giving takes the form of small, personal acts of kindness.
Very often it is not money or belongings that people need, it’s the things that can’t be seen, such as advice, reassurance, a kind word, compliments or a smile. It doesn’t have to be material.
Sometimes a simple kind gesture is worth millions more than an object that will get spoiled over time, whereas the memory of the gesture will stay forever.
True giving comes from the same place inside you as your deepest happiness. They are inexplicably intertwined.
The act of giving doesn’t have to be limited to an exchange of presents at Christmas time or birthdays. You can treat every person you come into contact with as someone who you can give a gift to.
Giving is a privilege for both the giver and the receiver. It is a rare and precious energy resource which connects people. This connection enriches us.
The giver and receiver are bonded together in a state of delight.
Giving is difficult because it threatens the ego with the fear of loss, scarcity, and deprivation.
Logic tells us if we have two apples and give one away, we have one less apple. However we are just creating a flow. Because in giving, we open ourselves to receive as well.
Isn’t it a wonderful paradox that when you expect something in return you limit the power of your giving? When you give without any thought or desire for something back, your returns will be truly limitless.
Our life is like a river of energy, continually flowing. What happens when a river stops moving? It get very muddy, and stagnant. A fast flowing river is full of life and clear water.
Where would you rather drink?
The acts of giving and receiving are a continuous process of circulation that continues the flow of your life’s energies. For one person to receive someone else has to give.
Pause for a moment as you read this, and take a big, deep breath. Hold it for as long as you possibly can. As you hold it inside, notice how uncomfortable you begin to feel when you are holding on to something that is meant to be released.
The intention behind your giving is the most important thing. The intention should always be to create happiness for both the giver and the receiver.
If you want to experience more joy, give joy to others, if you want more love, learn to give love, if you want attention and appreciation, do the same with others. These are some of life’s most precious gifts and they don’t cost you a dime.
The very act of giving can be silent yet powerful. When you meet someone, you can silently send them a blessing, wishing them happiness, joy and laughter. This kind of silent giving isvery powerful. Do this, (with no thought of return) and you will suddenly find people around you opening to you in joy and happiness.
Make a decision that wherever you go, to whoever you meet, to give. As long as you are giving, you will also be receiving. The more you give, the more will flow back to you and be returned many times over.
Giving creates a pattern of happiness, joy and love in your life beyond your wildest expectations.
In ancient China, Lao Tsu wrote: “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in Giving Creates Love.”
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