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k.cherry
USA
86 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 13 2020 : 2:34:16 PM
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Dear all 
Something in my heart tells me I need to learn how to give of myself more. I've been on a journey of isolation the last few years, and there still may be more of that ahead, but I've greatly withheld myself from others for various reasons.
I have a sense that there is nothing inside for me to give, and that I haven't yet received that key that would unlock my true generative power. Yet I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be a paradoxical illusion, and that I really won't find that key until I just start giving anyways, even in the face of that gnawing sense of emptiness. Does this make sense?
I guess I'd like to hear anybody's thoughts on this. I'm all ears/eyes/heart.
 KC |
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Dogboy
USA
2193 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2020 : 3:57:33 PM
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quote:
I have a sense that there is nothing inside for me to give, and that I haven't yet received that key that would unlock my true generative power. Yet I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be a paradoxical illusion, and that I really won't find that key until I just start giving anyways, even in the face of that gnawing sense of emptiness.
Perhaps the best giving in these divisive and tumultuous times, to yourself and your fellow beings, is kindness and compassion in everyday interactions. When I fell angry, frustrated, or anxious with my failings, the simple act of gathering up these feelings in a breath and exhaling it away provides instant relief. A pleasant greeting connects you to others, and momentarily lightens whatever weighs them down. With smiles now hidden behind masks, we need make the extra effort to smile with our eyes. Kindness is always a good starting point and costs you nothing but effort. |
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interpaul
USA
524 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2020 : 4:21:48 PM
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I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be a paradoxical illusion, and that I really won't find that key until I just start giving anyways, even in the face of that gnawing sense of emptiness
I think this suspicion is accurate. Whenever I feel less inclined to reach out, I often do it anyway and find, to my surprise, a better result than expected.
Sorting out why we are self isolating is important but often that forces us into our heads more. Kind of reminds me of the options of getting in a cold swimming pool. It usually is best to just jump in, shiver for a few seconds and then enjoy the pool. |
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Blanche
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2020 : 08:24:38 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by k.cherry
I have a sense that there is nothing inside for me to give, and that I haven't yet received that key that would unlock my true generative power. Yet I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be a paradoxical illusion, and that I really won't find that key until I just start giving anyways, even in the face of that gnawing sense of emptiness. Does this make sense?
KC
It makes perfect sense: What we call “I”, this separate entity, is only an illusion. This does not mean that “I” does not exist, but that “I” is not what we tend to think it is.
There is nothing that we have apart from the world to give it to it. Each of us is everything, and we give ourselves to ourselves. This is the reason we are the first to benefit when we serve others. In the way to becoming aware of this, we may experience ourselves as a channel through each the gifts pour into this world. Some talk about being like a cup, a thin empty shell that holds the mystery of the world. Eventually, even that thin shell dissolves. We discover that we are limitless, that everything is in us, and we start to learn to live like that.
As the nervous system purifies with spiritual practices, the impulse to give becomes more evident, so this is a sign that you are heading in the right direction. We could think about this need to give, to be of service, as a way to renew ourselves. It is like the water flowing in the river, just to be replaces by new clearer fresher water. The more one gives, the more is to give.
The guru is in you!
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BlueRaincoat
United Kingdom
1730 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2020 : 3:20:39 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Blanche
Each of us is everything, and we give ourselves to ourselves.
Beautiful, isn't it?! |
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k.cherry
USA
86 Posts |
Posted - Oct 14 2020 : 5:37:14 PM
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Thanks everyone Very helpful and encouraging.
quote:
Originally posted by Blanche
Each of us is everything, and we give ourselves to ourselves.
Aha! I like this. The wind blows from here to there because one place gives and another place receives, but it's all the same sky.
Hmmm, maybe it puts me more at ease to think of it in terms of softening the boundaries to allow for the natural flow of things. Maybe I'm too impatient with myself, and just being ready to give OR receive is enough for now. "Let what comes come. Let what goes go."
KC
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SeySorciere
Seychelles
1532 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2020 : 12:47:41 AM
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Pick someone you know and go and do the person a kindness, a giving from the heart not from the wallet. Kick-starting a conversation with someone and truly listening to him/her is a good one.
That's all there is to it.
Sey |
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k.cherry
USA
86 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2020 : 11:28:38 AM
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Thanks, Sey.
-KC |
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Blanche
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2020 : 07:02:54 AM
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Blue  |
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Blanche
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2020 : 07:04:19 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by k.cherry
The wind blows from here to there because one place gives and another place receives, but it's all the same sky.
Hmmm, maybe it puts me more at ease to think of it in terms of softening the boundaries to allow for the natural flow of things. Maybe I'm too impatient with myself, and just being ready to give OR receive is enough for now. "Let what comes come. Let what goes go."
KC
Yes, “it is all the same sky.” Or as Yogani writes “there is nowhere to go” because we are everywhere, everything. There is nothing to want or to do. We are enough as we are, and we can allow as you say “the natural flow of things” – we can live with a yes attitude. We can simply say “yes” to what comes our way: pay attention to what shows up, give help when it is asked for, receive help when it is offered, listen, share, accept what comes our way without reactivity. Seva (service) comes online more and more as we grow up and wake up.
While mainstream culture teaches us that we are limited, and we have little and can give little, as we expand our sense of self to everything, we discover that the more we give, the more is to be given. It makes for an easier and more joyful life.
The guru is in you! |
Edited by - Blanche on Oct 16 2020 07:05:58 AM |
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Shanti
USA
4854 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2020 : 09:07:48 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by k.cherry
Dear all
Something in my heart tells me I need to learn how to give of myself more. I've been on a journey of isolation the last few years, and there still may be more of that ahead, but I've greatly withheld myself from others for various reasons.
I have a sense that there is nothing inside for me to give, and that I haven't yet received that key that would unlock my true generative power. Yet I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be a paradoxical illusion, and that I really won't find that key until I just start giving anyways, even in the face of that gnawing sense of emptiness. Does this make sense?
I guess I'd like to hear anybody's thoughts on this. I'm all ears/eyes/heart.
KC
Hi KC! Your words are so genuine... something inside pusing you to break out of the isolation you are in... and yet something is holding you back... and the mind going.. how do I get out of here, how do I give back... I can feel what you are feeling. The thing is giving doesn't have to be the way the mind thinks it has to be... that heart of yours is open, just not how your mind thinks it should be. The easiest way to give... a samyama prayer of healing/love to the universe and walking in gratitude with a knowing this moment is perfect as it is.. as soon as you can feel that.. your heart will flow and life will be about giving every moment.. even if your mind doesn't agree. |
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k.cherry
USA
86 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2020 : 12:34:41 PM
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Ah, a loving prayer. Now this I can do. Thank you, Shanti
btw, your paintings are beautiful!
-KC |
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Shanti
USA
4854 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2020 : 1:56:14 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by k.cherry
Ah, a loving prayer. Now this I can do. Thank you, Shanti
btw, your paintings are beautiful!
-KC
Thank You!!! |
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Dogboy
USA
2193 Posts |
Posted - Oct 19 2020 : 8:05:03 PM
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SeySorciere
Seychelles
1532 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2020 : 01:29:32 AM
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Hi Shanti - so awesome that you dropped in.
I hope all is well with you.
Sey |
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Shanti
USA
4854 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2020 : 12:11:04 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by SeySorciere
Hi Shanti - so awesome that you dropped in.
I hope all is well with you.
Sey
Thank you my dear!!! |
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jclone
United Arab Emirates
61 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2020 : 05:36:50 AM
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| Hi Shanti! Have you tried giving something to anyone before? Giving is a choice we all make, it's not easy to give yourself to others who might not deserve it but unless we try it first, we will never experience the gains or loss of doing it. So I say try it once, don't be afraid, we all walked at some point in our life where we are given a choice to act or not. We only have short lives, do all things you want so you can make fruitful memories along the path. :) |
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Giving from nothing
