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Daily Question, December 9

In what circumstances do I feel generous? How can I bring forth my most generous self?

  • Malag

    Usually if I’m helping someone. It’s more the act that brings the feeling rather than the other way around. A work in progress, being honest about it.

  • Dusty Su
    I am very generous with my time and energy to those in need of a listening ear or companionship, especially during difficulties, or in end-of-life settings, or in need of guidance. Sometimes, because I have given too much over many years and exhausted and burned myself out, I have had little left to give. You cannot give from an empty larder. Therefore, I am learning how to find balance, how to self-care better, and from a fuller, healthier place, give. With that said, I believe I can be more ge...

    I am very generous with my time and energy to those in need of a listening ear or companionship, especially during difficulties, or in end-of-life settings, or in need of guidance. Sometimes, because I have given too much over many years and exhausted and burned myself out, I have had little left to give. You cannot give from an empty larder. Therefore, I am learning how to find balance, how to self-care better, and from a fuller, healthier place, give. With that said, I believe I can be more generous. For me, it would mean setting a goal, making it an awareness at the front of my mind and being. I am toying with the idea of KINDNESS being my filter for 2021. I choose a filter each year. This year was simplicity. Ha, that sure happened above and beyond what I imagined. I am challenged now. Thank you for this question.

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    • Cheryle

      I love your idea of setting a “filter” every year. You have encouraged me to do the same… Mine shall be kindness/mercy… Thank you dear Dusty

      • Dusty Su
        I just read someone posted on a writer's group I belong to. It was a breakdown of the coming year in goals by month. I thought of something like this for me around kindness. It’s not finished, but an idea to start the ball rolling. This year, I intend to put my energies into my journey of practicing being kind to the planet and all its inhabitants, including myself. Jan: I will inject joy into ways of being kind each day in some new way. Feb: Avoid over-scheduling myself; say “no” to an...

        I just read someone posted on a writer’s group I belong to. It was a breakdown of the coming year in goals by month. I thought of something like this for me around kindness. It’s not finished, but an idea to start the ball rolling.

        This year, I intend to put my energies into my journey of practicing being kind to the planet and all its inhabitants, including myself.

        Jan: I will inject joy into ways of being kind each day in some new way.

        Feb: Avoid over-scheduling myself; say “no” to anything that doesn’t inspire me to work from a place of fuller kindness rather than burned out obligation.

        March: Reduce energy/emotionally draining time, especially on social media and the news, and instead search out and share news that inspires deeds of kindness.

        April: Revisit January – am I still being joyful, and creative in my ways of expressing kindness?

        May: Revisit February – am I still saying yes and no at the right use of my time?

        June: Revisit March – am I still releasing myself from the burden of endless scrolling and negative news?

        July: Find ways and practices to grow my conviction that mindful kindness is the best way to respond rather than react.

        August: I will reframe whatever I HAVE TO DO or schedule into my day through a kind to me, to others, to this world mindset. “I get to…,” or “I choose to…” rather than “I have to…”

        September: Enjoy “down time” through a kind intention filter – spontaneously ask what would kindness have me do? Take walks, water plants, chat on the phone with friends.

        October: Revisit July – am I still feeling and projecting confidence in kindness into work, home, community?

        November: Revisit August – am I still enjoying my get to do days/weeks with kind intention?

        December: Revisit September – am I still enjoying the unscheduled parts of my days/weeks with intention?

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      • Dusty Su

        I call my journal whatever the goal/filter is Cheryle. This year was Soul Simple. I am thinking for 2021 Kinder Kind. Because it has so many interpretations that can be lived out. All the best with your Kindness and Mercy Adventure, may you feel the full power of the boomerang come right back to you over and over. Cheers

  • Melissa
    I feel generous almost everyday. The way it works for me is I open my heart to pay attention to where a need shows itself in my day. It might be picking up the trash as I walk our neighborhood. If I hear of anyone in need I do something for them like leave a note of encouragement and flowers. If I see a homeless person I order from the restaurant I am eating at an extra dinner to go to bring them. No one has ever turned down the offer and it always brings a smile to their eyes. If a bug is upsid...

    I feel generous almost everyday. The way it works for me is I open my heart to pay attention to where a need shows itself in my day. It might be picking up the trash as I walk our neighborhood. If I hear of anyone in need I do something for them like leave a note of encouragement and flowers. If I see a homeless person I order from the restaurant I am eating at an extra dinner to go to bring them. No one has ever turned down the offer and it always brings a smile to their eyes. If a bug is upside down I turn it over so it can keep going. When I am aware and present I can help in many small ways all day long. If my heart and eyes are present then there are so many opportunities to be generous that reveal themselves. It feels good.

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  • Linda

    I like to help others, especially when I see a local Go Fund Me request. I especially love knowing that I am helping someone in my community. This morning a local restaurant had its 3 outdoor heaters stolen by thieves, and they are very expensive to replace. Someone started a Gofundme site and they already met their goal from neighbors and patrons!

  • Holly in Ohio
    Gratitude for what I have certainly helps. When I was a child, somehow "things" became a substitute for love and attention. I'm still learning to let go - not just of things, but also of real and imagined injuries. As I learn to appreciate my blessings and learn how to take better care of myself, physically and emotionally, then I feel more secure. As I feel more secure, it is easier to let go, and also to be more generous. This question helped me to see that I have been making steady...

    Gratitude for what I have certainly helps.

    When I was a child, somehow “things” became a substitute for love and attention. I’m still learning to let go – not just of things, but also of real and imagined injuries.

    As I learn to appreciate my blessings and learn how to take better care of myself, physically and emotionally, then I feel more secure. As I feel more secure, it is easier to let go, and also to be more generous.

    This question helped me to see that I have been making steady progress, and that effort to feel secure and be generous must continue. Now I see it isn’t enough to be loved, I have to actively let myself feel the love that is there. It is not enough to be secure, I have to understand that I am secure and that giving more will not leave me vulnerable,

    Generosity so enriches our communities.

    Read More
  • ToriB

    My favorite way to feel generous is when I pay for the person behind me in the drive through line. I love to see the smile on their face and as someone who’s life would have greatly benefitted by that at one point, I love being able to do that for people.

    • Michele

      Awesome, I’ve done this too and this is a great reminder to do it again:)

  • Lauryn

    Giving time, love, patience, or money – as previously mentioned below. There are many ways to practice generosity. I’d like to think about ways in which I can work to incorporate these aspects more in my life.

  • Gene

    When I feel that I am genuinely Serving the needs of others. Striving to be physically and emotionally present wherever I am may allow me to bring this energy to the forefront and to cultivate, grow in the Spirit thereof.

  • Zenith

    For me, a woman, generosity is wired into me. It is something that, I believe, is part of our genetics because we are the child bearers and all that comes with that. How do I personally practice that generosity now that the kids are grown and gone? In any way I can that others will and can accept. Fierce independence is ingrained in Americans so we are a proud people. Some people find it hard to accept anything from others. I think just taking a few minutes to listen to someone can do wonders.

  • jordandaniellemoreno

    I feel the most generous after I’ve slowed down and taken some time for myself to realign with my true values. I can bring forth my most generous self by setting my intentions for valuing time and connection with others.

  • MelaD

    I bring forth my most generous self by giving my time to another in need of a friend to listen unconditionally. I don’t know what others receive from this, but just being available and open makes my heart sing.

  • Patricia

    I can bring forth my most generous self by being grateful for everything I have received without merit… and this helps me want to give and use what’s been given to my hands to steward for helping others, and for supporting organizations that value and support the common good.

  • Papilio

    I’m most generous when I feel grateful while I’m least generous when I’m taken over by fear and self-pity. To bring forth my most generous self, I’ll continue gratitude practice and surround myself with generous people since generosity seems to be contagious.

  • Tara

    When others are having a hard time, that is when I feel most generous. My heart takes over and all I want to do is ease their pain. I think that’s when I’m at my most generous.

  • sunnypatti
    My most generous self is always looking for opportunities to give in some way. I don't think there's any specific circumstances that make me feel generous; it's just a part of my personality these days. Not to say that I am generous ALL the time, but my broken past allows me to recognize that all paths are unique and others are in need of love and kindness no matter what. I am generous and loving because it was given to me when I needed it most, is still given to me on a daily basis, and I have ...

    My most generous self is always looking for opportunities to give in some way. I don’t think there’s any specific circumstances that make me feel generous; it’s just a part of my personality these days. Not to say that I am generous ALL the time, but my broken past allows me to recognize that all paths are unique and others are in need of love and kindness no matter what. I am generous and loving because it was given to me when I needed it most, is still given to me on a daily basis, and I have learned that giving from the heart feels good and natural. And the bonus is that we get what we give!

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  • DeVonna
    This year my Women Marines group has sponsored a veteran's family for Christmas. Later today my husband and I will take the money we've collected and go on a shopping spree for this family. I LOVE this... I always try to be involved in some form of volunteer work. I've done all sorts of "jobs" as a result of my volunteering. I've read to children at our local Kindergarten, I've tutored High Schoolers, I've helped with Bible study in the jail, I've worked for years with Toys for Tots, collect...

    This year my Women Marines group has sponsored a veteran’s family for Christmas. Later today my husband and I will take the money we’ve collected and go on a shopping spree for this family. I LOVE this…

    I always try to be involved in some form of volunteer work. I’ve done all sorts of “jobs” as a result of my volunteering. I’ve read to children at our local Kindergarten, I’ve tutored High Schoolers, I’ve helped with Bible study in the jail, I’ve worked for years with Toys for Tots, collecting gifts for disadvantaged children. At the moment I answer phones at the main branch of our local library. I have so MUCH in my life for which I am grateful…giving back to my community is how I share my “wealth”.

    Read More
  • Theresa Cancelliere

    To be able to help others and to currently be a support to the many friends I have that are battling cancer.I look to others that do not have as much as I do and its both difficult and a blessing that I have this awareness and the ability to pray for them and the earth.

  • Trish

    Gratitude for the abundance in my life fosters a generous spirit. There are so many opportunities to give of my time, love, patience and money. I have one life & it’s such a great pleasure to share it with others.

  • Pilgrim

    I don’t know about “feeling” generous. I may feel something like “one with” or a shared humanity, and feel moved to share whatever I am able – which I may stretch as much as possible. There is no cap on the opportunities, especially in these times, and may include financial support, usually through an organization; kindness of heart or action as seems would be helpful – or simply because each of us is human and we all need one another.

    • Trish

      Yes, we all need one another! You absolutely get it❤️

  • Mike S

    Occasions for true generosity or a real honor and a gift. I had the great pleasure of meeting a peacemaker from Burundi in East central Africa who is helping refugees from the ethnic wars us to be able to to come back and rebuild their homes. I had a huge heart opening when I Heard about the sacrificial nature of his work. It both humble me it made me feel so grateful that I have found something that I could really give myself too.

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