Generosity of Spirit

Generosity of Spirit

By Moriah Marston

Are you truly generous? Or, do you give yourself and others "just enough"-not a scrap more? Do attempts to be frugal make you tightfisted?

Where do you stand on the polarity of generosity vs.stinginess???

Fear of scarcity makes us stingy. So we scrimp through life, not only pinching pennies but also weighing how much love, enjoyment, reward, free time, pleasure, relaxation, personal space and attention to give ourselves, as if these were extras in life and not the main meal. We believe: "I couldn't possibly give that to myself-or I'd have to really earn it by depriving myself in other ways."

Must our self-generosity be balanced by deprivation? We're so afraid of getting carried away. Strictness with ourselves, which also affects others, reflects fear of losing control of our wants/hungers. Convinced that generosity is dangerous, we dole out life in a measured fashion that eventually becomes iron fisted. We assume that generosity might drain our resources. Actually, it's enlivening.

A lifetime of stinginess shrinks our world, tightens the heart and fills the belly with fear-limiting all possibilities.

The generous YES that is our Divinity hardens into a constipated cement block in the soul as Source's bounty atrophies into crumbs.

Spirit is generous. There's no end to growth opportunities- the chance to start over again and again-to regenerate - to profoundly open up and overflow with love -- to fill with a passion to serve others - to learn to treasure ourselves with a commitment to have everything that life has to offer. Spirit is infinite. It demonstrates that Source is Generosity in Action and Being.

How did the human race become so stingy? Stinginess is learned, based on fear of not-enoughness. We assume that life is made of sacrifices that purify us enough to be worthy of our Source-as if there's something fundamentally wrong with us that needs to be absolved by withholding from ourselves.

Generosity is natural to our spirit and consequently can't be repressed. It will simply leak out, but in unhealthy ways that spoil us and starve the soul. Natural generosity becomes convoluted.

Ironically, the best way that we can measure appropriate giving to ourselves and others is to accept our innate generosity and allow spirit, in its infinite wisdom, to open the throttle of Divine Flow that guide us to become Vessels of Outpouring.

Could you spare it? We try to talk people down rather than meet their price (financially, emotionally, mentally) much less leave a big tip. Stinginess is contagious. When others are stingy with us, we match them. Then everyone is cheap. We become shabby representatives of spirit and pull in the reins-not letting ourselves be the "bigger" person. Not wanting to be taken advantage of, if others don't appreciate our generosity we contract into ungiving. But generosity can't hurt us when it flows from our spirit. It only expands our being.

Stinginess crimps energy, narrows experience, shrinks vision, blocks potential and closes the doors of life. Spirit is boundless. So why curb ourselves? We haven't begun to tap its limitlessness. The magnitude of possibility peaks in to get our attention when we least expect it. Our first response is to shrink it--constraining the generosity of optimism, excitement, positivity.

Sometimes we're generous with ourselves in pointless or unhealthy ways but are stingy with our soul. Acquiring too many clothes or eating extra desserts is only surface generosity and doesn't take the place of leaving a repressive job or marriage, taking risks to follow a vision, allocating precious time for creativity.

Then on our death bed we lament about the lack of generosity toward ourselves. After all, we can't take it with us-not just money-but time well spent, people well loved, self well expressed, a life lived in the spirit of Source's exuberant bounty.

I expect to be given what is owed me, but nothing more, and am often startled to receive generosity from others. I forget to think outside the box of our economic orientation which blinds me to the huge ocean of "extra" available to everyone. What would it be like to represent our Divinity by living in the Zone of Extra?

Generous people must be more advanced than the rest of us scrooges! To be around them makes me feel bathed in bounty and reassured that there is nothing wrong with my needs/desires.

Fearlessly openhanded, they aren't afraid to fully give because they know there's a lot more where that came from. They tap into and unsparingly share the true nature of spirit. They don't hesitate to show how much love they feel and flood recognition for all gifts received from loved ones. They're affectionate- not stingy with touch. They gush gobs of enthusiasm and encouragement to embolden others to take risks. They don't pop bubbles. They shower people with attention-sincere interest. They leave big tips, delighted to give back to all who serve them. They think big because to be magnanimous is to embody magnitude.

An open heart is the wellspring of all generosity. If Source was as miserly with us as we are with ourselves, our world would be barren. There would be only meager scraps of opportunity to evolve, not enough time to progress, no turning points, no serendipity, grace, inspiration, insight, guidance or support-absolutely no way to manifest our dreams.
Generosity of spirit keeps the heart soft and healthy and buoyantly elevates us as we throw away our tit-for-tat measuring tools and become giving fools-wildly bestowing unstinted plenty to ourselves and others. We remember that Source spoils. It's creation with Divine Indulgence-a crowning generosity that parts the seas.

When in channel I bathe in the profound generosity of the Tibetan. His exquisite spirit never measures love but rather just lets it cascade, glowing like liquid gold. He teaches:Humankind is challenged to respond to every situation with uncommon love-to go the extra mile in their outpouring. Unqualified generosity to self fosters a new life that demonstrates there's always enough-never scarcity, diminishment or negation on any level. Then, fully honored, self is never invisible or placed second.

But humankind is not used to generosity. Students have experienced countless lifetimes of austerity, learned to do without, to not dare ask for too much and to expect minimal benevolence. But, Source never decreed this constriction. The earth plane was created to demonstrate Generosity of Spirit in form-so physically magnificent and abundant in its profound beauty that humanity, awed by this lavish gift, would automatically embody generosity.

Attachment to the illusion of separation neutralizes generosity and fosters the belief that Source is narrow hearted. Therefore, humankind perceives no greater model for generosity.
Stinginess with self attracts selfish people and fuels fears of not-enoughness. This illusion causes people to only give so much, squirreling away their own private supply of energy. Then generosity from others is threatening because it implies that more will be asked of self. It's painful to hoard one's soul.

Lack of generosity with self makes it impossible to be ungrudging toward others. To give to others while being tightfisted with self is only a martyrdom that retards the soul's growth -- just as giving from a sense of obligation is not true generosity. The soul evolves from full communion with Source's 100% attitude of altruism. Rather than be generous in only a few ways, embody an overflowing great heartedness in ALL ways, always starting with self.

Give in spades-offering oceans of helpful thoughts, feelings and energy. Don't worry about giving too much to self or others. Many struggle with the false belief, "It's spiritually correct to be humble and only take a little piece of life for myself.

I don't dare give myself everything-It' s too much-I don't deserve it." This measured allotment modulates the flow of energy in the chakras into a controlled format that the ego assumes is just enough. The chakras constrict. Reception is blocked and the soul starves.

Indulge in generosity to the point of intoxication. Mirror Source's mighty giving. Dare to give that extra piece. Self-generosity insures a bountiful flow to others, free from embarrassment. The emerging consciousness is a generous expression of Source's love-a natural state of delight, bounty and profuseness. Get used to being showered with gifts from all beings.

Tips for Healthy Living

Tips For Healthy Living

1. Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables containing various vitamins and minerals.
2. Increase the consumption of high fibre foods such as wholemeal bread and cereals.
3. Quit smoking if you do smoke.
4. Maintain an ideal body weight.
5. Exercise regularly, at least 3 times per week.
6. Undergo a routine medical screening once a year.

The Wooden Bowl (touching story)

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl! When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!

How about you ?

The Daily Ritual of Champions

THE DAILY RITUAL OF CHAMPIONS : A PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

To achieve your purpose and get the most out of your life, perform the following steps as a daily ritual:

1. Count your blessings and be thankful for what you have
2. Live your life as a Champion
3. Enjoy the adventure of life and help others enjoy theirs

This lesson wil explain those steps.

1. BE THANKFUL

No matter what problems you have or how bad things may seem, there is always something to be thankful about. Don't dwell on the negative. Think of the good things you have, and the problems and challenges will soon diminish or even disappear.

Examples

People who have lost all their belongings in a natural disaster often will say, "At least we have our lives and none of us was seriously hurt." That is something for them to be thankfulof, despite their material losses.

Then there is the story about the man who was unhappy because he didn't have any shoes. Then he saw a handicapped person with no feet. He realised how lucky he was.

You Know Whom To Thank

Be thankful. And you know whom to thank every day, according to your beliefs.

2. LIVE AS A CHAMPION

This doesn't mean you must be the world champion. Instead, you are a person who acts and feels like one who can achieve anything. You may also champion a worthy cause to help other people.

In order to be a champion in anything you do, you must fulfill the 5 basic areas in life. We call them the 5 Powers of a Champion.

Be Healthy : Take care of yourself. Strive to be physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. You feel good when you're healthy.

Be Knowledgeable : Always seek to learn, so that you'll be skilled in what you want to do. You feel sure when you're knowledgeable.

Be Excellent : Strive to achieve your goals, do a good job and have confidence and self-esteem. You walk tall, when you know you are worthy.

Be Valuable : Seek to be important and valuable to others. This is the crux of good relationships, as well as business. Value in relationships includes listening and caring about the other person. A good friend is a valuable commodity.

People reciprocate your actions by providing something valuable to you.

Be Honorable : Try to always be honest, courageous and reliable. Try to be a person of good character. Others will respect you for your integrity.

3. ENJOY LIFE AND HELP OTHERS ENJOY THEIRS

Seek to enjoy the adventure of life. Celebrate your achievements. Use your set-backs as challenges to overcome. If you are in a competition, congratulate the winner.

A major part of enjoying your life is to help others enjoy their lives. Help people succeed. That is what it is all about. That is your purpose.

Help to improve society and improve the world.

IN CONCLUSION

Follow this way of thinking every day to make yourself a Champion, as well as others.

by Ron Kurtus (revised 31 May 2003)

About Friends

A man should recognize among his acquaintances those with whom he should associate and those with whom he should not.

The ones with whom a man should not associate are those who are greedy, clever talkers, flatterers or wasters.

The one with whom he should associate are those who are helpful, who are willing to share happinesses as well as sufferings, who give good advice and who have a sympathetic heart.

A true friend, the one with whom a man may safely associate, will always stick closely to the right way, will worry secretly about his friend's welfare, will console him in misfortune, will offer him a helping hand when he needs it, will keep his secrets, and will always give him good advice.

It is very difficult to find a friend like this, and, therefore, one should try very hard to be a friend like this. As the sun warms the fruitful earth, so a good friend shines in society because of his good deeds.

[The above is from The Teaching of Buddha.]

I Found A Handphone

On 1 Aug 2007, my wife and I went for our usual Qi Gong lesson at Bukit Batok. I parked my car next to a lorry full of vegetable at the cargo compartment. It was around 8:05pm and our lesson starts at 8:15pm. As we were about to leave the car, we heard a ringing tone at the cargo compartment of the lorry. It was dark as there was no lamp post within near vincinity. My wife tried to look for the phone but cannot see anything. After a few ringing, the ringing stop. As we were about to leave for our Qi Gong, we heard the same ringing tone again. I went to the back of the lorry and start to look under the container with vegetable in it. Finally, I found the ringing phone. In my mind, I am thinking, the owner of the phone must be looking for his phone. As I was about to answer the phone, the ringing stop again. We walked slowly towards the nearby badminton court where we practice our Qi Gong. I also tried to return a call to the caller. Fortunately, there is missed call ID. When I call back, someone answered the call. I was having some difficulty to understand what he is trying to tell me because he an Indian. But I can understand he is trying to tell me he is now at Choa Chu Kang MRT station and he just lost his handphone. I told him I am trying to return the phone to him but I need to attend to something first and I will call him at 9:30pm.

We rushed for our Qi Gong lesson immediately. After the lesson, I tried to call him but no one answer the phone. It is an old Nokia handphone subscribe to Singtel. On the screen, I can also see there is an outstanding payment of $167 and some IDD call outstanding payment. One of our Qi Gong friend live at Teck Whye area, I give her a lift back. On the way to Teck Whye, we tried to call him again and managed to get him. So I asked him where his location. With his broken English, he told me he is at the McDonald near Choa Chu Kang MRT station. I asked him to wait for me there. We also asked him what was the colour of his shirt. He told us he wore a green wind breaker.

When I arrived at the McDonald, I saw him waiting eagerly, outside McDonald, for me to come. The moment I asked if he is the one who lost a handphone, he answered me "Yes, I am the person we spoke a while ago." I asked him what is the brand and colour of his phone, he quickly answered me " It is a black Nokia phone." I handed over the handphone back to him. I can felt he was very happy to get back his lost phone. He also asked if I would like to eat something at the McDonald. I replied him "No, thank you" and left for home.

I often heard about people losing their handphone but not able to recover it. Well, if I can help someone and make that someone happy, even I do not get anything back in return, why not ? Some may ask : Why do you want to do that ? My answer is very simple : Do good, avoid evil and purified the mind.

When I do good, I feel good.
When I do bad, I feel bad.
That's my religion.
- Abraham Lincoln

ASAP

Ever wondered about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?
Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet; you've got no time to spare, But as you hurry and scurry- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

In the midst of family chaos, "Quality time" is rare. Do your best; let God do the rest- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries are more than you can bear. Slow down and take a breather- ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

God knows how stressful life is; he wants to ease our cares, And He'll respond to all your needs A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed. Courage is fear that has said its Prayers.