Generosity of Spirit! Do You Have It?

In order to get the meaning of "generosity of spirit" it is important to understand what magnanimous means. Magnanimous means generous, high-minded, fair, noble, big and worthy and is the first essential ingredient in grasping the gist of this multi-layered concept.  What differentiates generosity of spirit from magnanimity is that it is not a one time feeling, but a state of being.  To extend to others, to want for others, the same things you want for yourself, is what generosity of spirit is all about.  

Something happens when you take total responsibility for your life and stop blaming others and circumstances for your problems: ("I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.") When you step up, you know you are always in the right place at the right time even though that place may be fraught with fear and difficulties.  Navigating these grueling and emotional junctures in life, that is, dealing with previously stuffed feelings in order to move to a new place, takes great bravery.  It is not easy to stay and face your fears when it is a whole lot easier to run.  Standing squarely in the middle of your life and claiming all of it - not just the parts you like - keeps you connected to your humanity and what it takes to live a human existence.  All of a sudden, there is a new level of acceptance that was previously missing; a heightened sense of self-esteem an self-respect. 

This sense of Self is accompanied by a feeling of compassion.  Connecting to your soft underbelly takes great courage and persistence, and you have great compassion for anyone who is willing to stay in that place.  Compassion is a natural off-shoot of consciousness and awareness, so connecting to your own humanity connects you intimately to others.   

When you KNOW what it takes to live a conscious life, you have the utmost respect for anyone who even attempts it, let alone succeeds.  You find yourself rooting for anyone who is willing to do the work. There is something noble in the human struggle; you can feel that with every breathe you take, so you make yourself available to assist in any way possible. 

This feeling is generosity of spirit is an open-heartedness that is free flowing and touches anyone who can feel it.  It is devoid of manipulation, the opposite of tit for tat, and has no strings attached.  When you have done the work, you get to feeling the feeling - as the one who is sending it as well as being able to receive it.  This energetic flow erases one's sense of separateness and allows you to feel connected at a core level.

Remember - We are all in this together. 

Comments

[Barry Manin]

"Zipping It!" I know that was for me and I appreciate it! As I was telling my "Poor Me" story...I was thinking of The Landmark Education Forum... but I contiued telling my story and continuing my racket.. You don't play!! Thanks for being so authentic and teaching integrity.