Volume 23 - Generosity

Has it been a month already? Unbelievable!

I've just spent almost a week in the home of two of my dearest friends with some of the people I love the most in the world. As I write this blog, the rest of the folks are vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms, packing the cars and readying for the trip home. (so this will be short)

*************Due to technical difficulties, before I could send this blog out to cyber space, we had to hit the road.... so here we are today, 24 hours later in the Visitor's Center in the Western Washington town of Aberdeen -- the birthplace of Kurt Cobain -- after a chilly night camping on the west coast, (where poor Holly's inflatable mattress, neglected to stay inflated and the light summer blanket we brought did not keep us warm.....remember those camping stories folks?

We have had a wonderful time thanks to the generosity of two dear, dear friends.

Mark and I had planned a visit to the area where his family lives -- to reconnect and share our plans with them.

My dear friends the Grovers immediately offered their home, even though they were going to be away at their own family reunion. (we missed you guys!)

We have known each other for almost 18 years now, and though we haven't lived in the same area for at least ten of them, our hearts still remain connected. They are the kind of friends we think of as 'family'.

They generously offered to open their two bedroom home to a potential 8 people.

We had originally hoped to number 8 staying in their beautiful home, but only six were able to gather. We met here, for many meals and wonderful times with seven others, ranging in age from 6 to 65.

We played and listened to live music, laughed and shared stories and grew to love and know each other more deeply.

Many happy memories were made and recounted.

"The gift which is given without thought of recompense, in the belief that it ought to be made, in a fit place, at an opportune time and to a deserving person -- such a gift is pure." Bhagavad-Gita 17:20

Linda Kavelin Popov reminds us that 'generosity is giving and sharing. It is giving freely because you want to, not with the idea of receiving a reward or a gift in return. Generosity is a quality of the spirit. It is an awareness that there is plenty for everyone. It is seeing an opportunity to share what you have and then giving just for the joy of giving. Generosity is one of the best ways to show love."

Dick and Jane certainly gave our clan the gift of generosity.

Someone once said, "The heart is happiest when it beats for others."

I hope their gift made them even half as happy as it made us.

I hope you are getting plenty of time to spend with your loved ones and having a safe and happy summer.

As the song goes, see you in September.

Namaste

~ Kate

The Practice of Generosity

I am thoughtful about the needs of others.

I notice when someone needs help.

I give freely without hope of return.

I give fully without holding back.

I am willing to make sacrifices for others.

I use wisdom about sharing treasured belongings.

I am generous. I look for opportunities to give and to share. There is plenty of time for thoughtfulness. I give freely, fully and cheerfully.

Reflection Questions

What does generosity call me to today?

Who would I like to give to, without holding back?

Who in my community could use my help, even in a small way?

What will I do to assist them?