Unconditional Giving

3:33 p.m. as I start to write.  :)

As we ascend on this path of enlightenment, those things we found important before begin to change.  "Things" don't tend to matter anymore.  They just aren't important.  Some things may be necessary to function, but they are not as "important" as the value we place on them.

I watch people running around buying Christmas presents, spending money on "things" for gifts, while their necessities take a back seat.  The importance becomes about giving a "gift"..... but why?  What is the purpose in "that" gift?  And at what cost was it given?

I look at the "gifts" themselves and see a whole new side of "gift giving".  Many buy with the intention of impressing or out of guilt or pressure.  Others give because it makes them "feel good" when the other person opens that gift, is happy or says "thank you"... but look a bit closer.  Who felt good by that exchange?  The one who was doing the giving "needed" to receive thanks for the gift they gave.  That just seems a bit backwards.  

How many people actually give a gift because they wanted to truly help another and walk away. How many just give anonymously, without expectation of anything in return? (Especially thanks). How many people say "I wonder what would make this person happiest" and give that.  Usually an "emotion" is what the other desires most.  Love, compassion, a friend, companionship... so many different things.  And those things don't cost physical money... but they cost of us, as we have to dig deep down inside to find that thing they need or would like most and then must take from ourselves to give.  We must access a place that makes us uncomfortable, and it is way easier to spend money we don't have to give something materialistic to make them happy for that moment.... and release us from giving too much of ourselves.

Think of a person in your life and what would they benefit from the most that is not a materialistic "thing"?  What do you have that you can give.  If you want to know how to touch their heart & make a lasting impression... give something that actually matters.  A piece of you.  The reward goes both ways.

Original Post: 12/23/11