Generosity

We often have a bit of an agenda when it comes to giving. We may want people to appreciate our generosity. We may want them to appreciate the thing we have given. We may want them to pay it forward, or return the favour. We may want our generosity to make the world a better place.

Of course we do.

Yet generosity isn't about any of that stuff. It's about giving and then letting go - giving the thing/time/whatever and moving on with no further thoughts about it. The giving is done. We are done with it. We are not just giving it over, but giving it up.

In terms of energy, we want to stop it from occupying a place in our mind/body. When I was a kid I was taught that when we give to anyone, we need to leave our names out of it. We are not looking for praise. We are looking to fill a gap for someone in need; we see that we can spare it, so there it is - done. The act leaves a refreshing gap when we have no agenda. As Lao Tzu said: "If your willingness to give blessings is limited, so also is your ability to receive them."

Generosity comes from the heart. When we give from the heart, the world gives back.