It’s always a good time to be generous. You can start with something small. A compliment is always appreciated. You never know when your kind words will reach someone at just the right time. We can all use a boost. Or go for something a bit bigger.
Just this week, my neighbor made some blueberry muffins. She texted, asking me to meet her at the fence so she could pass some over. Someone else surprised me with a green juice at a yoga class I was teaching. It feels good to be on the receiving end of someone’s kindness.
It's pretty easy to start with small gestures like a kind word, a check-in call to a friend, a handful of herbs from your garden—or do some spring cleaning and donate what someone else can use. My neighbor was collecting gently used shoes for an organization she works with, and our block filled the back of her SUV with dozens of pairs. She was thrilled! Of course, your generosity could entail something quite large, like a financial donation to a cause you care about or a regular commitment to volunteer your time.
The positive impact on the recipient of your gifts is usually outsized compared to the cost to you. So if you think someone won’t appreciate it or that it’s not enough somehow, go ahead and do it anyway. Most often, it is more appreciated than you will ever know.
The funny thing about giving is that it helps us, too. It’s not only a mood booster, but knowing that you’ve helped someone gives you a sense of living a more meaningful life. Generosity also has a subtle way of helping us learn to let go of things. Good all around.
This week, our meditation is about giving away well-wishes. Send out as many as you can. The world needs them!
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