Round 7, Day 29
On my final day of giving on this Round I was amazed to find myself giving $5 to a homeless man along the side of the road as I waited at a red light.
Years ago I used to feel very guilty, with all that I had, whenever I saw someone on the road with a sign. Sometimes that guilt compelled me to give them some money. Sometimes it compelled me to go buy them some food.
Yet, today, it was compassion and my own sense of "what can I give in the world?" that inspired me to give.
I am detached from my gift as it goes out into the world. I carry no judgment about the person or where the gift goes or how it is used. It is my giving and my inner space that is the point of the Giving Challenge.
This detachment is not mean, or indifferent, or uncaring. It enables me to be in a loving, compassionate space regarding the outer world. I focus on keeping my mind, and my heart, in a place of giving and that keeps either one from going into judgment, analysis, and other habitual patterns that work toward separating me from other human beings.
What a wonderful round this has been. I'll be taking off December and beginning Round 8 on January 1!!
Years ago I used to feel very guilty, with all that I had, whenever I saw someone on the road with a sign. Sometimes that guilt compelled me to give them some money. Sometimes it compelled me to go buy them some food.
Yet, today, it was compassion and my own sense of "what can I give in the world?" that inspired me to give.
I am detached from my gift as it goes out into the world. I carry no judgment about the person or where the gift goes or how it is used. It is my giving and my inner space that is the point of the Giving Challenge.
This detachment is not mean, or indifferent, or uncaring. It enables me to be in a loving, compassionate space regarding the outer world. I focus on keeping my mind, and my heart, in a place of giving and that keeps either one from going into judgment, analysis, and other habitual patterns that work toward separating me from other human beings.
What a wonderful round this has been. I'll be taking off December and beginning Round 8 on January 1!!
Comment
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Comment by Sharon C. in Brevard, NC on November 30, 2009 at 8:52am -
I like the part about not being judgemental about the person. I hear so many who never give to the homeless because they figure that they're all panhandlers or they might purchase drugs or alcohol....My experience has been that there really is a huge population of homeless and they really are hungry or in need. So thank you for giving such a nice gift to someone today and congratulations on finishing your round.
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Comment by Dawn wwt on November 30, 2009 at 7:39am -
there is a difference between giving out of guilt and giving out of compassion. sometimes it's hard for me to recognize the difference but i am trying. it hardly seems like 29 days have passed already! i look forward to seeing you back after the holidays. Hugs, Dawn
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Comment by Deb~ Community Manager on November 30, 2009 at 7:31am -
Congrats on finishing your first round Cindy! I hope you do come back as you are an inspiring Lady :o) Happy Holidays and Blessings to you and yours!
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Comment by Kate on November 30, 2009 at 7:21am -
Thanks for sharing your giving and your new freedom... It is a blessing when fear and judgement wash away and we are left with a new kind of compassion. All the best to you!
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Comment by Elly Rose-Tech Support on November 30, 2009 at 6:20am -
I love this give today. Thanks for sharing with us.
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