In this season of giving

There are different ways to give….

Many of us unfortunately give with a guilty pang that what we are giving is and can never be quite enough.  This conflicted form of giving creates a sad, depressed, and angry spirit.  Much like hoarding, it results in a similar poverty of spirit, not a full and happy heart.

Or we give as though it was a business transaction…we give with the expectations of what we will get in return.  And if our giving goes somehow unnoticed in the way we want or expect, we are resentful and self-righteously indignant or slighted.

However, there is another way to give.

In meditation, we may feel and/or get glimpses of this expansive state of bliss and love–an open and giving spirit.

This engenders a prudently generous heart and spirit that balances taking care of oneself with giving generously. It is free of expectations of what we should receive in return. Unlike guilt-driven giving, this lifts the heart and the world and is free of conflict.

This holiday season may we give freely, mindful of what we have and need, with full hearts in love, joy, compassion, and happiness.