Charity: The Joy of Giving

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”
– Anne Frank

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
– Mother Teresa

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own”.
– Abraham Lincoln

“The strongest links that connect us with our humanity and our divinity are forged with Charity.”
-John Krysko

Most often “Charity” is characterized in its expression as a Giving…a selfless supporting of those in need. This is an important part of the Understanding…but it is not the complete picture. When we are truly in loving and selfless state of consciousness, then the “doing” piece is always perceived of as coming from Source, God, Yahweh, Allah, etc. We become the vehicles through which the Eternal shares its Infinite Loving Abundance.

This is important because while we are in the “I” state of awareness, we will necessarily be colored by our limited perceptions and prejudices. That is not necessarily a “bad thing”. It will provide us with feedback about our state of being and offer up lessons for growth. It also inevitably will force “us” to make choices as to whom or what we contribute or help. Having given generously to various natural world, save-the-xxx foundations, I have found myself inundated with requests to help similar organizations. Doubtless that almost all of them are worthy organizations, how to decide?

There are different ways to discern what is right for you. One is to pray on it. Another is to offer it up in deep meditation. I have successfully augmented those with “putting it in water”. At night I keep a glass of water by my bedside. When certain choices are required I simply write down the name of the charity on the paper (with perhaps a word or two about whether this one is right for me) and place it in the water. (Some prefer to put it under the glass and that also works). Upon waking in the morning I take a drink of the water and see how it “tastes”. Try it…the water will taste different after a few tries. The idea here is simple….while we sleep our conscious mind goes to sleep, while our subconsciousness mind has the opportunity to directly connect with Higher Mind without the usual mind stuff of daily living. If the water tastes sweet, or clean, then that charity may be for you. Trust is an important element of this Spiritual Practice, as is Repetition.

The underlying thread here is that, in fact, we ARE already connected. We are just learning to be good loving and wise stewards. The practices and approaches of the HeartMind seek to guide us to that ever-present field of Goodness, Inclusiveness, and Love. That Field, which has the information and needs of the Entire Universe at its disposal, knows exactly what is truly needed, and when to share, and to whom it is necessary to assist.

Another recommended Practice is in the learning to attune one’s HeartMind to the situation. This involves more than ordinary mental thought processes. One may start with a conscious mental image or intention, but to engage the HeartMind also requires a Divine “Letting-Go”.

Start this Practice (Discernment and Charity) with setting the intention. Hold in your thoughts the charity/person that you are considering. (Lighting a candle awards extra points). Take a few breaths and see how it feels when you imagine breathing in the energy of the charitable focus. TRUST first impressions (this may take some practice). Ground yourself in the Earth by either sitting on the ground or by focusing on your feet and try to breathe in energy from the center of the earth. You know this phase is working when you start to smile.

The next step is putting your focus on your heart. As you breathe in slowly, allow the natural energy of the heart to open up to accept the gift of the Air, as well as that of the Earth. Try to imagine yourself outside also taking in the beneficent healing rays of the Sun. Let all 3 settle into your heart. If you have no pictures, simply keep breathing and move your right hand over your heart and feel your heartbeat. Allow your HeartMind to focus on your intention as you breathe. How does it feel? This time you know you are getting a positive response to the Charity if you start to feel “Joy”. (Warning, “Joy” is contagious. Once you experience it, you are highly likely you to “CSS”- Charitable Sharing Syndrome”. Currently there is no known cure, antidote or vaccine. Early symptoms include bouts of Bliss, Happiness, and Joy…for no explicable Reason).

It has been said that Gratitude is the doorway to Joy. Joy then becomes the doorway to Love. Love then opens up the Pearly Gates to (Eternal) Peace. Don’t delay, buy your ticket(s) early.

So, begin this next phase of your Life charitably, and let it begin with Gratitude….for All that Is, and All of which you are a part.