Letting go of 'me' and 'mine' with Generosity

Certain actions bring about a greater sense of well-being, while others just create unhappiness.

Paying attention to this helps us to take responsibility instead of simply blaming the world and feeling out of control.

The seventh of the 16 Guidelines For Life — generosity — offers the subtle pleasure of letting go and is a powerful, fundamental shift from the limited world of “me” and “mine.”

VIDEO: GENEROSITY

Joy comes in the love and kindness of doing something for someone.

It is natural to give to special people in our lives. What about those we don’t know? How far will we go to be generous to the people we don’t like, smiling or giving up a place in a line or parking space?

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give,” former British prime minister, Winston Churchill once said.

Nancy Bliss, who owns the Just Bliss jewellery kiosk at Burlington Mall, says: “Generosity can be given in many ways. My parents always gave. It wasn’t necessarily money. It was their time and wisdom. Mentors, friends, coaches give support. People appreciate that. and those are the things you remember.

Some people who give a lot of money to others may have another agenda and may expect something in return instead of giving it from the heart. It is the motivation that makes the difference.”

Try this: Could you be giving more to others than you do at the moment? In what area would that be — your time, skills or resources? Are you willing to engage beyond your normal comfort zone? Commit to one thing now.

Dekyi-Lee Oldershaw, former director of The Centre for Compassion and Wisdom in Burlington, is coauthor of 16 Guidelines For Life, available at website centreforcompassionandwisdom.com.