Dec 14 2008
Intention and Giving
I have just begun reading The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer. I very much enjoy reading and watching this guru speak. His Wisdom of the Ages book has become my Bible. He really is a poet at heart and incorporates poetry within his lectures and books. I remember during one of his PBS specials him teaching the art of giving and how our intentions take lead of everything we do. That has stuck in my mind.
Being the holiday season with all the hoopla over gift giving and shopping I began thinking about my own intentions behind giving. A ritual every year it seems more and more a chore going out and having to shop and buy gifts which I really don’t want to buy. My intentions in buying for some people are of a reciprocal nature. I really don’t want to buy them anything but feel as though I have to because they give me something each year. I know that sounds a bit cynical but think about it for a minute. I think there are people in everyone’s life whom you either don’t see that often or you don’t really like for whatever reason, yet you feel the need to buy them a Christmas gift because they give you one every year. The intention behind that type of giving is not true. It is not pure. You are not giving out of love or a caring for that person but rather out of guilt because you receive something from them.
I also believe that all the hype of the holidays takes away from the unselfish act of true giving. If we care about someone why not give all through the year. Why wait for a holiday? There are food drives and churches and homeless centers opening all over this time of year to help the needy. While that is wonderful, why not have food drives and churches leaving their doors open all year long rather than just once a year. While the intentions behind these selfless acts are pure they are in the moment rather than constant.
For myself, I prefer to help and give all year long. I give with my heart. Then I know it’s pure without feelings of obligation or guilt. Whether family or friends my list this year will only include those in which I truly love and care about. Does that make me scrooge or true to myself?
I must agree with you, Jo. This Christmas, I really haven’t done any shopping but I think my friends understand. I, like you, buy from the heart. All year long, when I see something that “speaks” to me for one I love, I get it. I might hold it for a special occasion and give it then but, usually, I can’t wait. I want the person, for whom it is intended, to have it right away. Often these gifts don’t cost very much but they are special in some way.
Carmen - I know when you buy it’s always from the heart, that’s what makes you so special
I enjoy your posts, congrats - I’ve selected you for a lemonade award
Thank you moonsilk.