Let us take this time to look at the "what" and the "why" of generosity of spirit. I invite us to look at the source, within us, of this generosity.
A few years ago, I dated a fellow that accused me of not having generosity of spirit. I had never heard this before. I became curious. What does it mean to have generosity of spirit? I thought I was being generous by driving him to take him and his dog for an emergency vet visit after a long ten-hour day at work? Wasn’t I?
In my inquiry, I began to explore – maybe I was being generous but was I giving to get? That might have been true. I think generosity of spirit is not only an action but also an invitation to be curious about the source. Where does this desire to do come from? What is the payback, Are we generous because we want to seem charitable to others, or does it come from a deep inner wellspring of desire to give, share, be generous? As Lent is a good time for reflection, I thought it would be a good time to investigate this.
During Lent, many of us are called into a time of self and spiritual discipline, of retreat, of devotion, and maybe fasting. We seek to purify, to let go, to cultivate a closer relationship with the God of our understanding These are all good things. I would invite you to consider taking this time to look at what motivates us to do so. And, so, taking generosity as a domain, taking this time to look at the “what”, and “why” of generosity of spirit. I invite us to look at the source, inside of us, of this generosity.
Some traits of generosity of spirit follow.
I would invite curiosity about where this desire does to express come from.
Open Heartedness. A generous spirit involves cultivating a compassionate heart, being curious and receptive to the feelings and needs of others, of those close to you. This may include those you live with, your kids, your partner. And those outside of your intimate circle, perhaps the store clerk, the door person serving the building. Being curious about what they might be feeling. Nodding to another, looking at them in the eye to say, I see you. And then, asking yourself, where am I extending this from? Is this authentic? Does it come from my heart, my most true self?
Forgiveness. A generous spirit forgives. It invites us to let go of harbored resentments. Might this be the time to stretch a hand to that cousin you have not spoken to. Or try a smaller gesture, like letting go of the person speeding ahead of you and wishing them well. And then, being curious about where that desire to forgive is coming from? If I extend and the person does not respond, where do we go with that? That person getting ahead of me or cutting me off, do I curse at them or wish them well. And is this authentic to who I am and who I want to be growing in to?
Positive intention toward others. Generosity of spirit is often characterized by positive intention towards others, giving them the benefit of the doubt, in this way fostering a positive and uplifting atmosphere for all. Can we hold space for that friend that did not text back really fast and give them the time to let them be where they are at. It may not be about me but about something they are doing or going through.
Kindness. Generosity of spirit is shown by being kind with others. There was a saying on bumper stickers, DO Random Acts of Kindness. This might be expressed by being helpful to someone, opening a door, and not expecting anything in return. For me, holding the door for someone to come in is a natural. Sometimes they say thank you, sometimes they hurry off. Am I angry because I did not get a thank you or am I holding the door, because it is what I do.
These are just a few traits to start with, not an all-inclusive list. I hope you get the idea. I am not saying we should not be generous but over and above this, be curious about where it comes from.
In closing, I invite us to enter Lenten season, and beyond, with an attitude of spiritual curiosity, about who we are and who we are becoming. I invite us to enter into our interactions with others, not with a desire to be generous, but rather, an authentic, from- the- wellspring- of- what- it- means -to- be -ME, “ generosity of spirit. “ I am indebted to that relationship that pointed me back to myself and how I was showing up. It was the start of a long journey, for which I am deeply grateful.
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