I meet a lot of people in my work, and feel so much tenderness for how much isolation so many are feeling. The war in Ukraine adds to our distress, like a shadow of grief over it all. And while the pandemic has opened up new avenues of online connection, it’s also drastically limited our opportunitiey to build community in real life.

Taking care of our hearts is essential. When we’re balanced and resourced, we see more clearly and have more to offer others.

As some of you know, I’ve been working on a new book on this theme, called “Training the Heart.” As I write, one of the insights that’s becoming clearer to me is the power of generosity to uplift the heart and heal our world.

Below are some reflections on generosity. If you’d like to go deeper, join me for an online daylong next Friday, April 29. (I've also included some other upcoming meditation sessions below.)

Generosity is one of the beautiful capacities we have as human beings, as it takes us beyond the narrow purview of self-interest. All cultures and religions through time extol charity and generosity as virtues, inviting us to extend our hearts with hospitality towards one another. 

It’s tragic how the beauty of generosity can be overshadowed by fear, insecurity or habit. True giving is not an obligation, a show, or an exchange. It doesn’t come with strings attached, a script for saying “please” or “thank you,” or a demand.

Generosity is a spontaneous offer arising from a natural impulse to share. We give not because we have to, because we think we should, or because someone is watching. We give because we can.

To give, we must trust that we have something of value to offer. We give time. We give our attention and energy. We give when we allow ourselves to truly see another. Mother Teresa once said, “We will never know how much a simple smile will do… Peace begins with a smile.”

Giving forges bonds of relationship and helps us begin to experience a sense of belonging. If I give you a gift—be it goods, time, or energy—we now have a connection.

Giving also illuminates our goodness.

Generosity reminds us of our capacity to make the world a better place, and that instills a sense of dignity, wholeness and self-respect. When I give, it’s easier to look myself in the eye, accept my shortcomings, and smile.

Sharing is a medicine that can heal the disease of craving that is driving the destruction of our planet. It can assuage the illnesses of isolation, fear, and lack that plague our hearts. And on a collective level, it can help create a more just and equitable society.

There’s an old story of someone’s car running out of gas on a long, deserted road, in the middle of nowhere far from any town or gas station (in the era before cells phone). Stranded by the side of the road, the driver felt a glimmer of hope when they saw a car approaching. They were beyond grateful when the car stopped, and the visitor handed them a can of gas from their trunk.

When the stranded driver offered to repay the driver, they simply explained, “Someone once rescued me exactly the same way. Pay it forward, friend.”

Best wishes,

Oren

Upcoming Online Events & Classes:

Developing Joy in Meditation

Thursday, April 21; 4 - 5p PT

Dana: The Power of Giving and Receiving

Friday, April 29; 10a - 4p PT

Calling forth Courage

Sunday, May 1; 6 - 8p PT

The Power of Rest

Wednesday, June 8; 3:30 - 5:45p

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