The true Art in Giving
is to give from the heart without any expectation of
a return. True giving comes from the same place inside you as your deepest
happiness. They are inexplicably intertwined. A
gift is something that is enjoyed twice. First by the giver who revels in the
pleasure of giving something special and then also enjoyed by the person who
receives the gift.
A very special form of giving takes the form of small, personal
acts of kindness. Very often it is not money or belongings that people need,
it's the things that can't be seen, such as advice reassurance, a kind word,
compliments or a smile. The act of giving
doesn’t have to be limited to an exchange of presents at Christmas time or
Birthdays. You can treat every person you come into contact with as someone who
you can give a gift to.You may be a bit sceptical, wondering what exactly do you have to
give? Everybody has something of value for another person. It could be a kind
word, a simple smile, some appreciation, the sharing of some special knowledge,
even a helping hand or a bit of support during a difficult emotional time.
You have something to give everyone.
The act of true giving is something wonderful and amazing. With
most things in this world, there is only a limited amount of what you can give
away. Fortunately, generosity and kindness are not bound to these same material
limitations.'
One of life’s most basic laws is "every single act of love,
kindness and generosity will multiply and return to you many times over
". The more you give the happier you will feel.
Many thousands of years ago a great sage in Babylon said "The
reward of charity depends entirely upon the extent of the kindness in it."
It is one of life's wonderful paradoxes that you limit the power
of your giving by having an expectation of getting something in return. When
you give without any thought or desire for something back, your returns will be
truly limitless.
Your life is like a river of energy, continually flowing. What
happens when a river stops moving? It get very muddy, and stagnant. A fast
flowing river is full of life and clear water. Where would you rather drink?
The acts of giving and receiving are a continuos process of
circulation that continues the flow of your life’s energies. For one person to
receive someone else has to give. It’s a cycle of energy that flows continually
onwards.
Pause for as moment as you read this, and take a big, deep breath.
Hold it for as long as you possibly can. As you hold it inside, notice how
uncomfortable you begin to feel when you are holding on to something that is
meant to be released.
Now, breath out, completely and hold your breath with your lungs
fully emptied. Feel how uncomfortable you feel when you are resisting taking in
something that you need.
True giving, without expectation of anything in return is as
effortless as breathing.
How often do you expect back from the person you gave something to
a gift of a similar or greater value? Is this true giving or merely an unvoiced
expectation of an exchange of similar goods?
Have you ever heard anyone saying " I just give and give and
give until I have nothing left "?
This behaviour has many other names. Self denial, self pity, martyrdom,
self righteousness to name just a few.
Truly giving something from the heart is an action which will fill your life with joy
This is where the expression to “give whole heartedly” comes from. The intention behind your giving is the most important
thing. The intention should always be to create happiness for both the giver
and the receiver
If you experience resentment and a feeling of “I don’t really want
to give this to this person, but I feel that I have to” or “I really should
give them something,” this is probably what ultimately will come back to you.
Perhaps in this case, you need to consider not giving the gift at all !
What you give out is what comes back in direct proportions to the
feelings you have in the act of giving.
It’s very simple. If you want to experience more joy, give joy to
others, if you want more love, learn to give love, if you want attention and
appreciation, learn to give appreciation to others. These are some of life’s
most precious gifts and they don’t cost you anything.
When you meet someone, you can silently send them a blessing,
wishing them happiness, joy and laughter. This kind of silent giving is very
powerful. Do this, (with no thought of return) and you will suddenly find
people around you opening to you in joy and happiness.
Make a descision that wherever you go, to whoever you meet, to
give. As long as you are giving, you will also be receiving. The more you give,
the more will flow back to you and be returned many times over. Giving creates
a pattern of happiness, joy and love in your life beyond your wildest
expectations.
In ancient China, Lao Tsu wrote "Kindness in words creates
confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in Giving
Creates Love.”
May your life be filled with love, happiness and inspiration.
Rochman
Reese and Sofan Chan
Source : http://www.theartofhappiness.net
