Practicing More Generosity Towards Yourself and Others

By Colette Lafia | March 22, 2017
 Wednesday Wisdom. Generosity is worth increasing.
I really appreciate the intention we bring to the Lenten season to turn in the direction of living a more Spirit centered life. It invites me to be more intentional with my relationship with God, to myself, and with others, at home, at work, and in my community. During the past few weeks I have been praying with my desire to practice more generosity.

Generosity: the quality of being kind and generous.

In his book, Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God,  James Finley writes that “our very being and the very being of everyone and everything around us is the generosity of God. For God is creating us in the present moment, loving us into being, such that our very presence in the present moment is the manifested presence of God.”
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But so  much can get in the way–like our tendency to be judgemental of others, or the false narratives we cling to, or our lack of self compassion. Still, we persevere, because deep within we know that generosity is the better way for inner peace, and the way to spread joy around us.
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Here are some simple practices to cultivate more generosity: 
  • See the new day as a gift, an act of generosity.
    • As soon as I awake up in the morning, or with my first sip of tea, I pause and recognize that this new day and my being in this new day are a pure gift, and I express gratitude.
  • Ask yourself throughout the day: How can I be generous in this situation? How can I be generous with this person? How can I be generous with myself?
    • Last week, my impatience was getting the best of me, and one fourth grade girl was persistently asking me for a certain kind of book. I was to take a deep breath, and pray inside: Let me be more generous. I looked at her, which made all the difference, and felt my eyes soften. I was able to respond to her need.
  • Practice generosity and hospitality towards yourself.
    • With the grief I am feeling, as I mourn and miss my mother, there are days when I am exhausted, sad, and vulnerable. I need radical hospitality, to welcome all of myself, and to take the time to listen and tend to myself. The other day, I exploded with tears at the end of my work day, from all the pressure. I just needed to get home. So I did. I took a bath, and took time to be quiet. I didn’t judge myself, or push myself, but rather received myself as I was in that moment, and took care of myself. The more we are generous towards ourselves, the more we can give generosity to others.
  • Take time to appreciate and notice how generous nature is.
    • This weekend the cherry blossoms started to bloom, and their tiny pink and white flowers are dancing on the trees with such delight. I feel the generosity of these tress blooming every year. Nature is so generous. Take time to notice it!

I invite you to reflect upon how you would like to practice generosity in your heart, in your body, with yourself and with others?

 

Facing Our Obstacles

I think we need to become more honest with the places in us that are not generous–when and where and how we find ourselves not wanting to be generous. We must allow ourselves to meet ourselves there, and let God into those darker places. These are places of great insight for us, and places of growth. I know at times that I am tired of being generous at work. I’m overwhelmed by the busy schedule and constant demands; I become judgmental of myself. We need to be honest with what cuts us  off from practicing generosity. And trust that God meets us just there, and is always there to help us. Like the monks we pray: O Lord, Come to My Assistance. O, Lord make haste to help me.  

Posted in Path of Love