I love this topic! Giving generously without expectation or obligation or acknowledgment is one of life's great blessings. I feel I've been given so much and the joy of sharing my abundance is so fulfilling. My dad taught me to give or loan without any expectation of repayment, that God will repay many fold. That's been so true in my life. I like to give where there is a ripple effect - the recipient is blessed and they in return ripple the blessings out in some way. I loved the Ted Talk you texted out by Lynne Twist called "Freedom from the Money Culture" - so good I kept saying "AMEN!" as I listened. Keep the good stuff coming, Graham. You always teach and inspire! Have you ever thought of doing a series of essays or lessons in book form? Just an idea when you run out of things to do - haha!
My dad was full of some great wisdom: keep your gas tank 1/2 full in winter, if you can't drink coffee black, you shouldn't drink it, you can always remember truth but not a lie. I sure miss him!
In my life, my dad taught about it but my mom controlled the check book and she gave generously without ever saying a word so it was modeled as well as taught.
Another great newsletter .As for me it makes me feel so good when I give a gift to someone .It really warms my heart as this way I feel like I'm expressing my love, ,but I'm bad at receiving gifts , I really don't want anything in return . I can't explain it but I have been like this my whole life ! Even when I give donations I like to stay anonymous . I feel like the more you give , more blessings comes back to you .
I do know there are times though when my friends fan me with compliments and it feels nice, but in the end if I don’t believe it in my heart already then it doesn’t change anything. Thanks Graham !🙏💜
I like giving gifts for that reason too. I feel like I’m showing my love and I don’t expect anything in return. I never feel like I can show my gratitude enough when I receive a gift though.
I feel similar to you Irene. I love giving but am terrible at receiving. It's hard not being at the school as I loved giving the kids a small gift at Easter & Christmas.
Thought this quote related to newsletter…”The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. “. Thick Nhat Hanh
Graham…how is it that you are so creative and articulate in your writings and at the same time giving the reader that your thoughts are so genuine and coming so deeply from within your heart. You are truly gifted. This writing gives me such satisfaction as it reminds me of how much love I give my grand children…a hug…a kiss on the head…time together transporting them to an activity…a family dinner. My expressions of love to them is my way of ensuring them that I want to be a large part of their journey in life. And when they reciprocate with a hug…kiss…or a thank you…then I feel they have accepted my love for them as being authentic. Simple right? But real for me!
Today's beautiful text Graham. Congratulations! As for your question, for me, the greatest expression of love was that of Christ. By justifying us there on the cross, in obedience to the Father. This is for me the greatest expression of love. Ah, remember, you are a gift that God gave us.🥰❤️🇧🇷
Fantastic sentiment, Graham! I use to have friends (operative: use to) that when getting dinner or beverages would say, "You get the next one", when I wanted to pay for my own. Insistence on picking up a check is nausiating to me. It doens't feel like a gift, it feel like a control pattern. It's a lot to keep track of, "who do I owe?" so they won't have underlying resentment; and completely based on "one uping". I've noticed similar things with gigs. If someone threw a person a gig, they expected one in return. I heard their resentment of the people who didn't "pay them back." I've had family members say, "After all I've done for you/them..." Unfortunately, I said something similar to my former wife when she abandoned our marriage. She didn't owe me; I loved doing and giving to her. There's a reasonable expectation of some level of appreciation, validation, or enjoyment even if it comes from within yourself. It's hard to keep the ego out of give-take / action-reaction situations.
This is an excellent article Graham. Some of the best gifts that I have received are not material or money but are worth much more than anything else to me are kind, thoughtful words of encouragement and inspiration. I like to think that these are the same sort of gifts I give to others but without expectation of receiving the same back.
Sweet expression. My giving of things or money has never been to receive anything in return. It’s like giving with your hand still attached to the check. I want my rewards to come from God. I find letting go brings all kinds of rewards. When God approves of my giving I am at peace and there is no greater reward for an authentic gift than that.
What powerful insights you have, Graham. This is so true! So often we give with a hidden motive. It is only when we awaken to our inner motivation that we begin to look at how this has an impact on others. Our kindness can actually imprison another person. Our gifts in themselves are many times a reflection of what we ourselves need or would like to recieve. I have fallen prey to this kind of giving - from a place of needing affirmation, validation and love ❤. It never completely fills the void inside. In rescuing another I cannot rescue myself! 💔 I have learned that tough love is about recognising that need in myself and thinking about my reasons for giving. Do I give to get something? I no longer want my giving to put another under an obligation. I made this mistake with my eldest son and my loving became a stumbling block for him in his life. It felt suffocating and no else could match it. Hence he has married 3 times and is still looking for that all encompassing love that can only be found when we connect to our own Divine nature and become in tune with God. Now my giving is more contemplative, I am no longer a rescuer needing to be rescued. It has taken me many years to get to this place and it has been a path of pain. I salute you for your deep understanding of this principle and for your bravery in sharing the deepest wounds of your heart. Many blessings 🙌 always. Carole.
Another very inspirational and insightful newsletter. In the Bible in Acts 20:35, Jesus’s words are, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Generosity is one of the most powerful concepts in personal growth and blessings. It starts with giving. It doesn’t have to be money, but it can be of your time and your talents.
For me, the truth for giving is that the blessings come from God. I truly believe God gives each of us the ability to share our spiritual gifts and talents with others without expecting anything in return. We reap what we sow.
Graham, thanks again for these words of wisdom. Blessings to all!
I love this topic. I personally love giving gifts, I am happy seeing people enjoy a gift. If it is something material, I can spend weeks to find the gift for each person.
But it is not only the material. I love spending time making someone happy or making life easier to others, whether at work, at home or in an institution. Since I was a girl I was raised like this, my parents always helped in what they could, my dad was awesome, he was a doctor and he went to church twice a week to attend to homeless people. And I grew up with that example, and it is the one I always wanted to give to my children.
Today I have the great joy of seeing that they have their sights set on people, and on what they can give of themselves for others. And every time I see them act that way, it's a gift to me.
Another excellent newsletter Graham , I just want to say that I have been on the receiving end of a very generous gift by someone I admire and appreciate very much and I will never be able to repay the kindness not that the person would want that anyway and for this I am forever eternally grateful and humbled by it.
What gifts you have given us today: an instructive podcast and such an inspiring newsletter. Your giving is so genuine, without expectations. You really set a good example for us. In my past I was also so often unconscious of the desire for attention that I often gave in order to get something in return. Through my awareness and my growth in self-love, I have experienced the difference. How wonderful it is to be able to give from a full heart... Thank you for regularly reminding us what is important. It keeps us focused. 🙏
See you soon at the group zoom! (I will get up in the middle of the night...)Lots of love from Belgium✨
Oh, Graham another newsletter that says so much about todays world. Having spent a lot of time in third world countries I saw how throwing cash at problems only created more problems. Made the giving countries feel good but few people in the receiving countries ever reaped the benefits. Lessons to be learned!!! Blessings and hugs!!!
I believe altruism is our connection to God & deep inner peace. “Authentic giving” -- as Graham calls it -- expresses love, joy, compassion, which expands the Universe. It is the direct opposite of our individual, ego-centered self we actually need to exist in this material world, which limits our reality. It’s definitely a big challenge to balance our two selves for the higher good. But, we always have a choice…
I love this topic! Giving generously without expectation or obligation or acknowledgment is one of life's great blessings. I feel I've been given so much and the joy of sharing my abundance is so fulfilling. My dad taught me to give or loan without any expectation of repayment, that God will repay many fold. That's been so true in my life. I like to give where there is a ripple effect - the recipient is blessed and they in return ripple the blessings out in some way. I loved the Ted Talk you texted out by Lynne Twist called "Freedom from the Money Culture" - so good I kept saying "AMEN!" as I listened. Keep the good stuff coming, Graham. You always teach and inspire! Have you ever thought of doing a series of essays or lessons in book form? Just an idea when you run out of things to do - haha!
Good idea Cathey. You could do one yourself as you always have great things to say.
Oh, you know me too well. Jotting some notes.....
We have been taught the same way.
My dad was full of some great wisdom: keep your gas tank 1/2 full in winter, if you can't drink coffee black, you shouldn't drink it, you can always remember truth but not a lie. I sure miss him!
My grandmother was the most giving person I’ve ever known. She had move than 20 step grandchildren and at Christmas they all got gifts.
I love giving at Christmas. So much joy.
In my life, my dad taught about it but my mom controlled the check book and she gave generously without ever saying a word so it was modeled as well as taught.
Another great newsletter .As for me it makes me feel so good when I give a gift to someone .It really warms my heart as this way I feel like I'm expressing my love, ,but I'm bad at receiving gifts , I really don't want anything in return . I can't explain it but I have been like this my whole life ! Even when I give donations I like to stay anonymous . I feel like the more you give , more blessings comes back to you .
I do know there are times though when my friends fan me with compliments and it feels nice, but in the end if I don’t believe it in my heart already then it doesn’t change anything. Thanks Graham !🙏💜
Irene when you don't receive a gift you are denying the other person of the same feelings you have when you give one.
I've had the same thing said to me.
That's true , I didn't think of it this way ....
It's nice to give love to the ones we cherish. 🌼
Totally agree. 💖
You are a generous gifter!
Agree
I like giving gifts for that reason too. I feel like I’m showing my love and I don’t expect anything in return. I never feel like I can show my gratitude enough when I receive a gift though.
I feel similar to you Irene. I love giving but am terrible at receiving. It's hard not being at the school as I loved giving the kids a small gift at Easter & Christmas.
Thought this quote related to newsletter…”The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. “. Thick Nhat Hanh
I love this!💕
So true Linda ❤️
Graham…how is it that you are so creative and articulate in your writings and at the same time giving the reader that your thoughts are so genuine and coming so deeply from within your heart. You are truly gifted. This writing gives me such satisfaction as it reminds me of how much love I give my grand children…a hug…a kiss on the head…time together transporting them to an activity…a family dinner. My expressions of love to them is my way of ensuring them that I want to be a large part of their journey in life. And when they reciprocate with a hug…kiss…or a thank you…then I feel they have accepted my love for them as being authentic. Simple right? But real for me!
Today's beautiful text Graham. Congratulations! As for your question, for me, the greatest expression of love was that of Christ. By justifying us there on the cross, in obedience to the Father. This is for me the greatest expression of love. Ah, remember, you are a gift that God gave us.🥰❤️🇧🇷
My first thought! No greater gift. No greater expression of love!
Fantastic sentiment, Graham! I use to have friends (operative: use to) that when getting dinner or beverages would say, "You get the next one", when I wanted to pay for my own. Insistence on picking up a check is nausiating to me. It doens't feel like a gift, it feel like a control pattern. It's a lot to keep track of, "who do I owe?" so they won't have underlying resentment; and completely based on "one uping". I've noticed similar things with gigs. If someone threw a person a gig, they expected one in return. I heard their resentment of the people who didn't "pay them back." I've had family members say, "After all I've done for you/them..." Unfortunately, I said something similar to my former wife when she abandoned our marriage. She didn't owe me; I loved doing and giving to her. There's a reasonable expectation of some level of appreciation, validation, or enjoyment even if it comes from within yourself. It's hard to keep the ego out of give-take / action-reaction situations.
This is an excellent article Graham. Some of the best gifts that I have received are not material or money but are worth much more than anything else to me are kind, thoughtful words of encouragement and inspiration. I like to think that these are the same sort of gifts I give to others but without expectation of receiving the same back.
This is so spot on! The best gifts are not material.
So true Teresa ❤️
Sweet expression. My giving of things or money has never been to receive anything in return. It’s like giving with your hand still attached to the check. I want my rewards to come from God. I find letting go brings all kinds of rewards. When God approves of my giving I am at peace and there is no greater reward for an authentic gift than that.
Amen
What powerful insights you have, Graham. This is so true! So often we give with a hidden motive. It is only when we awaken to our inner motivation that we begin to look at how this has an impact on others. Our kindness can actually imprison another person. Our gifts in themselves are many times a reflection of what we ourselves need or would like to recieve. I have fallen prey to this kind of giving - from a place of needing affirmation, validation and love ❤. It never completely fills the void inside. In rescuing another I cannot rescue myself! 💔 I have learned that tough love is about recognising that need in myself and thinking about my reasons for giving. Do I give to get something? I no longer want my giving to put another under an obligation. I made this mistake with my eldest son and my loving became a stumbling block for him in his life. It felt suffocating and no else could match it. Hence he has married 3 times and is still looking for that all encompassing love that can only be found when we connect to our own Divine nature and become in tune with God. Now my giving is more contemplative, I am no longer a rescuer needing to be rescued. It has taken me many years to get to this place and it has been a path of pain. I salute you for your deep understanding of this principle and for your bravery in sharing the deepest wounds of your heart. Many blessings 🙌 always. Carole.
Carole, your words resonate with me so much (hidden motives) as do Graham's insights on this topic. Thank you. 🥰
Another very inspirational and insightful newsletter. In the Bible in Acts 20:35, Jesus’s words are, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Generosity is one of the most powerful concepts in personal growth and blessings. It starts with giving. It doesn’t have to be money, but it can be of your time and your talents.
For me, the truth for giving is that the blessings come from God. I truly believe God gives each of us the ability to share our spiritual gifts and talents with others without expecting anything in return. We reap what we sow.
Graham, thanks again for these words of wisdom. Blessings to all!
I love this topic. I personally love giving gifts, I am happy seeing people enjoy a gift. If it is something material, I can spend weeks to find the gift for each person.
But it is not only the material. I love spending time making someone happy or making life easier to others, whether at work, at home or in an institution. Since I was a girl I was raised like this, my parents always helped in what they could, my dad was awesome, he was a doctor and he went to church twice a week to attend to homeless people. And I grew up with that example, and it is the one I always wanted to give to my children.
Today I have the great joy of seeing that they have their sights set on people, and on what they can give of themselves for others. And every time I see them act that way, it's a gift to me.
Thanks Graham!!
Giving doesn't have to be material! I believe time spent is one of the most valuable gifts!
Another excellent newsletter Graham , I just want to say that I have been on the receiving end of a very generous gift by someone I admire and appreciate very much and I will never be able to repay the kindness not that the person would want that anyway and for this I am forever eternally grateful and humbled by it.
What gifts you have given us today: an instructive podcast and such an inspiring newsletter. Your giving is so genuine, without expectations. You really set a good example for us. In my past I was also so often unconscious of the desire for attention that I often gave in order to get something in return. Through my awareness and my growth in self-love, I have experienced the difference. How wonderful it is to be able to give from a full heart... Thank you for regularly reminding us what is important. It keeps us focused. 🙏
See you soon at the group zoom! (I will get up in the middle of the night...)Lots of love from Belgium✨
Graham, you should be so proud of who you are and what you give to your followers. An authentic gift you certainly are. Thank you!👍
Oh, Graham another newsletter that says so much about todays world. Having spent a lot of time in third world countries I saw how throwing cash at problems only created more problems. Made the giving countries feel good but few people in the receiving countries ever reaped the benefits. Lessons to be learned!!! Blessings and hugs!!!
I believe altruism is our connection to God & deep inner peace. “Authentic giving” -- as Graham calls it -- expresses love, joy, compassion, which expands the Universe. It is the direct opposite of our individual, ego-centered self we actually need to exist in this material world, which limits our reality. It’s definitely a big challenge to balance our two selves for the higher good. But, we always have a choice…
So well said!💕