Six years ago, I wrote an article called 7 Totally Different Ways to Give Big this Thanksgiving!!
Since then, I’ve come to learn that people need to know what giving is NOT. “The Secret” would say, don’t focus on what you don’t want. However, understanding these distinctions does help us more powerfully understand what it is we do want.
Giving is Not Reciprocation
If we give something because we are "expected to" or we think we "must", then that is not a gift. If we give something and expect a "gift" to be given to us in return, then that is not a gift either. Those are trades, exchanges, or barters -- we can pick lots of words that are more accurate and honest than a "gift."
As an example, if we are attached to getting a "charitable receipt" in order to get a tax deduction from our donation, are we really giving a gift, or are we simply practicing intelligent commerce?
Giving is Not Following Protocol
Gift exchanges can be very fun. Have you noticed how some gifts in exchanges are usually better than others? Some people really take on the energy of "gifting", while others are simply following the rules of the game.
If we give something to somebody while we are upset, with a mean tone, or in a rush, then that is not a gift. People want our energy and presence more than our material tokens. So to present a material token with negative energy is very contradictory. Too bad some people do that.
Giving is Not Managing the Gift
Most people's tax money goes to funding wars that they probably don't believe in. Many people accept that, while they question the ratio of funds going directly to a charitable cause compared to the administrative costs. When we give something freely, we put trust in the recipient's hands to manage that gift.
Similarly, when we don't give money to homeless people because we assume they might spend it on addictive or destructive behaviors, then we are managing funds for them. A true gift of money is allowing the recipient to use the money at their sole discretion.
Don’t just gift something. Take gifting to a whole new level of compassion, integrity, and love. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Gift this article to others.
Let’s love the world together...
Love,
[)anish /|hmed, Visionary
So true, I believe this is very true in giving time and attention to your children and partner. If you give of yourself, your actions speak of love. If you are stingy with how you give of yourself to your family, but yet give openly of yourself outside of your family, hurt and distrust result.
ReplyDelete