Articles

Ways to Give

The current Dalai Lama said this:  “Our prime purpose in life is to help others.  And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”  Sound advice to be sure!

There are many ways to give. Plenty of opportunities exist every day for each of us to give of our time and energy to someone else. Consider for a moment that the concept of giving can be offered in ways you may not have even thought about.  For example, giving the best of our self in our close relationships is undeniably one of the most gratifying experiences of giving.  When we consciously speak and do things from a place of care and deliberate attention that is kind, compassionate, playful and loving, we are giving of ourselves with thoughtful intention.  When we commit to relationships in this way, this becomes a radical act.  This is the highest form of giving to those you care about and in fact, to all people. 

Another way of giving is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and to express our feelings of gratitude to others.  If we don’t do this, then there is a good chance that we will take for granted what we have and what others do for us.  Every day, express to someone what you are grateful for and in this way, you are giving of your appreciation.  This is, without a doubt, one of the most important gifts you can give someone!