Today I paid a short visit to one of our neighbors who is temporarily staying at the rehabilitation center. It was spontaneous, just because it felt right, to offer a bit of love and attention to a lonely elderly woman. On my way back, I realized I was feeling uplifted. At the same time, I became aware of how miserable people can feel when they’re focused on trying to get things from others. Strange paradox, isn’t it? But definitely one worth contemplating.
Often, we feel better when we give selflessly than when we act out of self-interest. And yet, the latter often seems to be the stronger motivator.
Yes, that’s one to scratch your head over, it needs a moment to really sink in. Not that I’m offering some new trick here to get you to give just so you can receive in return! Haha. Because, of course, that wouldn’t work.
What this is really about is the fact that when you live from a state of flow and follow your inner voice, you naturally become more giving, and that, in turn, makes you happy.
Why?
Because the drive to get comes from a sense of lack, whereas giving flows from an abundant source.
It’s the place you’re coming from (and acting from) that makes all the difference. Are you living with a perspective that moves from the outside in… or from the inside out?
Yes, of course, that means you first have to come inward. In your center. Into alignment with your deeper Self. Into a state where all the little ‘selves’ settle down, and you begin to give more naturally to the world around you, because the fountain of your heart is overflowing.
This is the paradox between emotion group shame and emotion group love. It’s up to us to master the art of navigating between these two. Because of course—it’s perfectly fine to receive too, and to think of yourself at the right moment!
A little tip:
Explore giving when you notice yourself trying too hard to get. And explore receiving when you realize you’re giving yourself away. 😉
Warmly, Vera
