Generosity is another quality which, like patience, letting go, non-judging, and trust, provides a solid foundation for mindfulness practice. You might experiment with using the cultivation of generosity as a vehicle for deep self-observation and inquiry as well as an exercise in giving. A good place to start is with yourself. See if you can give yourself gifts that may be true blessings, such as self-acceptance, or some time each day with no purpose. Practice feeling deserving enough to accept these gifts without obligation-to simply receive from yourself, and from the universe.
I like the idea of starting the practice of generosity with ourselves the same way we're taught to practice compassion. When we start with ourselves then generosity does not become an occasion for personal deprivation but rather a way for everybody to benefit.
"...some time each day with no purpose". What a novel concept in this day and age. I wonder what would happen if we gave this generous gift not just to ourselves, but also to our children? Can you imagine what that would do for our spirits to have some time with no purpose? Maybe, if nothing else, it would provide a much needed respite for our very stressed spirits. Maybe, that is the point--nothing else is needed except some respite. Carolyn
ReplyDelete