Giving

The past few weeks have been a little stressful for me and also all over the world, mostly in Japan. In times when I'm feeling down or out of sorts, I not only remember the hardships that some others are enduring, but I also find a way to give. This entry is not about trying to make someone do anything, it's more of a personal tool I use to rise above my daily worries. And it can be useful to some. Giving should always come from the heart otherwise, it's meaningless.

During times when I'm incredibly sad, somehow my awareness takes me to those in need. And the first thing I acknowledge is my problem truly isn't so bad after all, that in itself does a lot to lift me. But the second and most surprising thing that I do afterward is give. The rougher I'm feeling, the bigger I try to give. You might question, well what does that do? I will tell you from my personal experience when I have done this, not only do I feel incredibly happy knowing it's going to someone else in need but also it helps me feel great knowing that I'm not being a part of a problem, but a small part in helping to alleviate some of the world's dilemma. It could be a neighbor, a best friend, or even those without heat in Japan. You see that is the secret. When you give to others, you are naturally giving to yourself. It's remembering how lucky you are to have the things you have and nothing feels greater inside than when you feel your heart expand reaching out to others. It may be strangers or someone close to you. Try it. When you are feeling sad, give for example, a purse away or even food to a homeless shelter. I guarantee, there is no way you will feel bad. Know why? Because giving naturally forces you to take your focus off of your own problems. And whatever you focus on, it naturally grows, so why sit around seeing your problems get bigger and bigger? It only creates fear, and fear breeds fear. After giving I guarantee your mind will be clearer and by then you may find a solution to your problem.

So why not help to spread positivity in the meantime? What you give in this life is what you get back. But remember to give from your heart. Giving just to give because it's the supposed right thing to do, will bring you nothing but resentment and regret. Do you want that to keep coming back to you? I know I don't! You'll know when you are giving from the heart because you will feel it enlarge and uplift. There will be a sense of peace. The choice is always yours, this is just something I do for myself and of course for others.

Love, Light, and Laughter to Everyone