I was not too sure what I was going to write about today - until my daughter tagged me in a Facebook post about a young boy who gives strangers flowers because he likes to make them smile. In our family - we have random days... we love to give things or do things for strangers - to see them smile. For me this all started a long time ago when I saw the movie - "Pay it forward" about a young boy who comes up with a school project to change the world - where he would do 3 things that really meant something - and in exchange - those people who received - would pay it forward to 3 other people and so forth. So I have always held that idea that sometime in my life I would love to do this for others... and I have managed to do so in a number of ways. The reality is - I get huge pleasure from this - so its not actually just one sided about selfless giving - because there is always a form of receiving that happens in giving. I did not realise this until I started to do it. I thought originally - wow what a lovely altruistic thing to do...but I discovered that I got a huge amount in return for giving... and I became hooked. I get a real kick out of seeing people happy - and I love to do secret things where people do not know its me - but I know.... and I can just imagine the delight they get... it can be something little - it does not need to be some huge thing that costs a fortune. I love to give flowers to strangers - in fact its become a family game... where we get a feeling that someone somewhere needs flowers... so we buy a bunch or pick a bunch and then go look for the owner... its wonderful...and the stories that come from them when they tell you why its them who needs the flowers on that day. It can be doing little things like handing the cashier an extra $5 to be deducted off the next persons shopping and not hanging around to see their face. Or popping a little gift into someones post box - just because.... or writing a letter to someone...sending a card to someone... anything really - and as simple and small as smiling at someone and saying hello. I have discovered that in this gift of giving - I receive so much... the joy and the delight is contagious and so uplifting. My heart expands and I feel good... so really - giving is self serving in so many ways when done from this space. It does not work this way if we give from expectation or resentment - that brings us down - but when we give with no expectations and no requirement - it is so freeing and rewarding. I have been deeply blessed in my life where people have given to me like this - or helped me in some very beautiful ways that have made a huge impact on my life. I am always grateful for these experiences. I sometimes found it so hard to accept and oddly - those where I felt guilt or doubt about the gift -things turned sideways with it all. Those where I was able to truly receive in the mode it was offered have taken me so far in my life. So we need to see how we are giving and how we are receiving. Are we doing so out of guilt? Do we feel obliged? Do we feel resentment at any level? Are there strings attached? Is it all open and clear about what is expected? Are there expectations? Its ok if there are - we just have to be clear about it so that the energy flow is there. Its the hidden stuff where we are not clear, that leads to trouble later, and all sorts of confusion and upsets. So when we give - lets be clear about our intentions behind it, and likewise when we are receiving. This will free the energy flow so much more. So today - think about this and watch yourself, and our own motives. There is no right and wrong here - but an awareness that clarity and openness will go a long way to releasing old patterns and blockages about giving and receiving. Much love to all Arleen
1 Comment
8/11/2016 06:50:46 pm
Yes, this is beautiful . . . am inspired to look and be open to fresh new opportunities.
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AuthorArleen Hanks Archives
August 2019
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