Charity

Charity, in practice, is generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless. It is benevolent giving and caring. I believe that charity is the contribution of ourselves and/or our resources to others in need; but, how do we do it when we have no more resources to give; what do can we do?

Perhaps, it is really a mind shift we need to make. Sometimes, the focus is on what monies people can give, which is probably the easiest thing to do because then people do not have to think about or reflect on the helplessness of others. People can pacify their guilt by contributing money to a worthy cause and feel relief that they did their part. How does that truly lift people in need? It certainly may take care of the immediate needs like food, water and medical attention to the destitute; but, what about the long-term? How does money alone really help them?

Charity, in virtue, is giving unlimited love and kindness. Charity, ideally, is giving of your whole self, your heart and your time. It is making others feel valued and empowered. It is a helping hand that lifts the soul and spirit of those who feel helpless. It is lifting the spirits of the sick and the poor. It is giving them hope and compassion. It is spending time with the homeless and the sick. It is sitting with people and listening. It is being completely present for them.

Charity also needs to begin with one’s self. You need to help yourself first and nurture your own heart before you can help others. An empty vessel cannot fill another’s cup. Once your own heart and soul is filled, then you can truly give of yourself to others. How does one fill his or her own’s heart and soul? That is a question people need to ask themselves. Start with what brings you bliss, peace and/or joy. It may be writing poetry, walking outdoors in nature, quietly meditating and praying, painting and creating crafts, interacting with other people or pets, or any activity that brings you bliss.

Perhaps some of the things that bring you joy is something you can share with others in charitable work, like sharing your poetry with a community of elderly or children or doing crafts with terminally ill patients in a hospice. Consider who you are and how you feel when you are at your best. Maybe you are a fabulous grant-writer or fundraiser, marketing specialist or web designer. These are wonderful gifts to share with a charitable organization.  Ultimately, charity is of the heart, not necessarily the wallet. What can you give to others?

Related articles

• QOTW: Charity can be toxic (messymiddle.wordpress.com)
• BIG NEWS: How to Spread Your Charitable Influence (allthingsfadra.com)
• Better Ways To Give It Away: Philanthropy 2.0 (fastcompany.com)

Generosity (post for February 4)

Generosity can be defined as being in the state of giving or sharing. It is the deliberate and joyful sharing spirit, where one is open to giving time, love, talent, knowledge and tangible, material things and resources. Basically a generous spirit shares! Sharing is joyfully allowing or permitting something that belongs to a person (or rather something that a person has, because nothing truly belongs to us) and letting another being or group of beings have it.

A loving and generous being shares positive energy along with anything tangible when things are shared with love and joy. But, suppose, one shares negative energy like anger or grief? Would that be considered generous, too? Is it a positive action to do? Consider this scenario, when one releases his or her negative energies, what is left? The answer is positive energy.  Now, this does not imply that one should share negative energy with another person or creature unless you have volunteer, because sometimes a friend will lend support in this way like a shoulder to cry. One can share negative energy through art, writing, music, dance or any creative activity.  Sometimes negative energy generously fuels creativity and that is a positive  and healing event.

Generosity in its most positive light has many rewards. When a person shares his or her time, talent, knowledge and resources, often that person will have these reciprocated. Is that not the secret to the law of abundance? Generosity without negative attachments or expectations produces an outcome where the giver will receive the joy and happiness of having the opportunity to be generous; furthermore, the giver will most likely be rewarded with love, appreciation and possibly something that is tangible.

The beauty of having a generous spirit is that a person does not have to be monetarily wealthy to give or to share. A sentient being can be generous with his or her time, knowledge and talents. Through sharing time, knowledge and talents with other sentient beings, people will find themselves enriched through the experiences of interacting with other people.  Consider how generosity can play a significant role in people’s lives and imagine our world filled with generosity. 

Caring

It is the little things we do in life that really matter. It is those precious moments when we give of ourselves to another living soul. It is in doing the small things that really make a big impact with others. Is it the imprint of that positive moment in their minds that can life one’s spirits? Yes, it is.

It is those small gestures of love that make a world of difference in the life of others, like a smile, polite conversation, a compliment or getting someone a glass of water. It is a display or action that show we care. It is taking care of another. It is caring for another person. And, it doesn’t take much, just a moment in time. Next time you are out and about, I propose you think about how you can show you care and then do it. It will touch your heart just as much as it touched theirs. Caring is sharing; and, sharing is caring.