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Daily Question, October 17

How can I use my blessings to improve someone else’s life?

  • InvisibleRainbow

    I am abundant with creativity so I can help others tune into their creativity too. It can be so therapeutic.

  • Hot Sauce

    Because I am financially well off, I try to always carry some cash around to give to anyone who might be needy, hungry, or homeless. That way, I am not just hoarding all of my money for myself but actually giving it to those in need.

  • Mike

    Take something you won’t miss and give it to someone who might appreciate it. Then, take something you might miss and give it to someone who really needs it.

  • dcdeb

    By sharing the gratefulness “attitude”. Volunteering as well.

  • TofuLove
    I don't know, at the moment I'd say more so I likely am erring on the side of the things that I don't do or restrain myself doing that blesses others. These things come in ebbs and flows of outward action is sort of how I view it. My main focus is meditating and growing but it's a whole process which then helps me to be more gracious, more wise when I'm out in the world, as I unpack my patterns of prejudice and ways I can discredit and close off to others shared humanity, hopefully anyway. I thi...

    I don’t know, at the moment I’d say more so I likely am erring on the side of the things that I don’t do or restrain myself doing that blesses others. These things come in ebbs and flows of outward action is sort of how I view it. My main focus is meditating and growing but it’s a whole process which then helps me to be more gracious, more wise when I’m out in the world, as I unpack my patterns of prejudice and ways I can discredit and close off to others shared humanity, hopefully anyway. I think doing the work, going inside, trying to tame your emotions and mind, is improving other’s lives at some point.

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  • Mica

    Do the 4 little quilts I made and donated to my quilt guild count? They’re quirky quilts, but the recipient said they’d be good for wheel chair users and such at a retirement home. We who share on gratefulness also share our blessings with others. And we who volunteer in so many ways.

    • Sandra

      Mica, your quilts sound wonderful 😊 My mother would love something like that for her wheelchair! (P.S. I have two grandchildren too ❤️️)

      • Mica

        Fun! So do I [the grandchildren]. My mother died when they were younger. Indeed, Peggy says she measures, bags, and labels them, and decides whether they’re better for old people or babies. I’m glad I can continue making Small quirky quilts. They’re too small for me, [I lie on my sofa; I don’t sit on it and watch TV] so I was trying to make larger ones, but the latest one has stalled.

  • pkr

    By being kind, compassionate & loving to All…

  • Chester

    In the wise words of Nike, “Just do it.”

  • Marnie Jackson

    I can share my blessings by connecting with others – being a willing listener, teacher and learner – will help us all grow in the end.

  • Carla

    By seeking those opportunities to share my time, talent or treasury, I move into action versus staying self centered.

  • Michele

    When I can, I donate to charities that have meaning to me. Even though my donations are small amounts, I hope it helps for the greater good. Making time for someone – calling, sending a card, etc also shows that you care enough about someone.

    • Mica

      Thank you, Michele – we share through our donations, don’t we?

  • Holly in Ohio

    I’m usually happy and positive these days, which I try to share, and I share food including bounty from my garden, I volunteer, and I teach.

  • Sandra
    My immediate reaction to this question was shame. I am so fortunate, I have so many blessings. But do I use them appropriately, to improve someone else’s life? The responses already here have helped me to think differently. In the midst of a challenging situation I have felt inadequate and unhelpful. In response I redoubled my efforts to work on my inner life. I have already seen a shift in my own perspective and I am feeling the benefits of that. But I see also that others are benefitting too...

    My immediate reaction to this question was shame. I am so fortunate, I have so many blessings. But do I use them appropriately, to improve someone else’s life? The responses already here have helped me to think differently. In the midst of a challenging situation I have felt inadequate and unhelpful. In response I redoubled my efforts to work on my inner life. I have already seen a shift in my own perspective and I am feeling the benefits of that. But I see also that others are benefitting too: the lives of people around me have been improved because of the inner work I am doing which they are unaware of.And so, although I am very fortunate and have many blessings in the outer world, it is the capacity to self-reflect and the desire to use what I see when I look inward to effect personal change which at this time seems the blessing I can best use to improve the lives of others.
    🙏

    Read More
    • Mica

      Dear Sandra, I congratulate you for working on your inner life in a challenging situation – that’s certainly better than trying to ignore the situation by distracting yourself with volunteering or other ‘help’. Warm wishes to you – 🤗😘

      • Sandra

        Mica, thank you 😊 I am not in a position at present to help by volunteering or in other outwards ways. And I am thankful that I didn’t distract myself with mindless tv and chocolate! I have found the community here to be so inspiring. You each encourage me to think and act in ways I might not have chosen were you not here 🤗❤️️

        • Mica

          Food treats are a gift, aren’t they, Sandra? I’m using up some of my excessive quantity of 50% off ‘Tom & Jerry Batter’ in some coffee to distract me from a small belly ache of annoyance. OTOH, an email I got today said, “I am from Japan, and in my country monks at temples spend more time for cleaning than for meditating to find peace.
          When I am stressed, my house is very clean, and my family and I love this method.” more warm wishes to you –

        • Mica

          Hang in there, dear Sandra, and may things get better for/with you 🥰🤗

    • Holly in Ohio
      Thank you, Sandra, for tickling me into thinking about this on a deeper level. I don't think we need to feel ashamed for caring after our needs. I know sometimes it can be tempting to care for others and neglect ourselves, too, so perhaps balance is what we seek. And in what manner do we want to be giving to others? I just know it "feels" better to give because we relate to and connect with someone, rather than out of guilt over our good fortune. We may not personally know them, just feel for th...

      Thank you, Sandra, for tickling me into thinking about this on a deeper level. I don’t think we need to feel ashamed for caring after our needs. I know sometimes it can be tempting to care for others and neglect ourselves, too, so perhaps balance is what we seek. And in what manner do we want to be giving to others? I just know it “feels” better to give because we relate to and connect with someone, rather than out of guilt over our good fortune. We may not personally know them, just feel for their situation. I will think of this some more. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? Thank you again, Sandra, for your deep reflection.

      Read More
      • Sandra

        I’m glad it resonated with you, Holly. In return, you have given me more to think on too ❤️️

  • EJP

    By sharing all that I am and all that I have, gracefully.

  • Antoinette

    I can use my blessing by being like the moon. I really appreciate today’s quote of the day. How I participate in each moments counts! Yesterday I had a feeling of insignificance. That feeling of discontent.
    The moon doesn’t have this feeling. And if the moon did have that it would let it go!
    By participating in the world and showing up with the biggest heart ever I can make a difference. I pray that I keep the mind of infinite emptiness/pure love in the forefront of my mind.

    • Sandra

      I also appreciated the quote about the moon, Antoinette 🌔 And I appreciate your words 🙏

  • Lee Anne

    Listen to understand. Kindness. Gentleness. Keep my heart soft and shed barnacles that could harden it. Look for what is good and true and praiseworthy in the other. Love, reflecting Christ Consciousness and Buddha Nature.

    This requires inner work first. It just doesn’t happen. It is what we are here to do. 🌺😇🌸

  • Howie Geib
    I have had the very good fortune of finding a profession that allows me to practice hospitality as a spiritual practice. When I am doing my job well, I am hospitality embodied: opening one’s life to allow others to use and take what they need, especially if what they need is something I will miss. For in that moment hospitality is truly born, when I experience that this handing over is not a diminishment at all. That in so doing my life is immeasurably richer. So in this way I am using my bles...

    I have had the very good fortune of finding a profession that allows me to practice hospitality as a spiritual practice. When I am doing my job well, I am hospitality embodied: opening one’s life to allow others to use and take what they need, especially if what they need is something I will miss. For in that moment hospitality is truly born, when I experience that this handing over is not a diminishment at all. That in so doing my life is immeasurably richer. So in this way I am using my blessings by making them available to others and we are all the richer for it.

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  • Don Jones
    In early times, say for example, during the 14th century in Japan, it wasn't unusual for spiritual masters to lead reclusive lives, perhaps meditating in isolation for 20 years. As far as I can tell, the modern practice no longer does that to the same extent. Many say technology and modern conveniences have solved much human suffering. I am not so sure. Maybe my thinking is stuck in the distant past and perhaps my own circumstances guide my thinking, but I lean towards actions being led by ...

    In early times, say for example, during the 14th century in Japan, it wasn’t unusual for spiritual masters to lead reclusive lives, perhaps meditating in isolation for 20 years. As far as I can tell, the modern practice no longer does that to the same extent. Many say technology and modern conveniences have solved much human suffering. I am not so sure. Maybe my thinking is stuck in the distant past and perhaps my own circumstances guide my thinking, but I lean towards actions being led by the (unseen) spiritual work. For sure work in the physical domain is important and always will be. But I am nagged by the need for the inner work which I would argue, guides the “outer” work even if it is invisible. So for me, it is dedication to the inner path. Not right or wrong, just what I do.

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    • Sandra

      Yes, this makes strong sense to me. Your insight has helped me to reframe my own inner work. Thank you, Don.

    • Howie Geib

      Yes, I can see this for bing so. Much like music, unseen, in the physical world, nonetheless real, guides us in the dance. Thank you.

  • sunnypatti

    By sharing the light…in whatever way it’s needed for someone else.

  • Kevin

    By listening for their heart, breath and voice. Then responding with loving action in whatever form that may take.

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