Self Sacrifice

          Beginning a cacoon ~ Photo by Steve Magin

There is a way to transcend human existence and become our true selves. Most every religion and spiritual discipline asks that we shift our self focused journey and begin to look outward. We are asked to overlook ourselves in deference to the needs of others.

This is not a message that is easy to hear and even more difficult to act upon. Self sacrifice requires a change in the way that we conduct all of our affairs. We are uncomfortable when confronted with any change but even more so when it requires self sacrifice.  The adjustment that we make leads us from a mode of accumulation to one of generosity. It is a modification that allows for miracles in everyday life and worth every bit of our transformation.

We can begin a discipline of self sacrifice simply by beginning each morning with the attitude that this day, and everything in it, is a gift. This will allow us to understand that there is much for which to be grateful and that there is much to give in return. Our focus will shift. The thoughts of what I need will turn to the needs of our fellows.  We will become enabled to relieve pain and suffering that we might otherwise dismiss.  This is the way of spiritual enlightenment and self actualization.

Let It Begin With Me

Generosity is an admired character trait.  We hear about the great benefactors who give large sums of money to favorite charities and institutions and wish that we could contribute in such grand ways.  The problem is that our funds and time seem to be so short.  Times are tough and it feels like everything we do is aimed at keeping our heads above water.  Where can we find extra for others when we struggle ourselves?  We can either go out and make more or we can desire less.  Neither sounds very easy.

Difficult economic times force all of us to look more closely at our patterns of consumption. We find that the strategy of making more money and accumulating more possessions no longer works for us. We begin to control spending by becoming thrifty. This behavior will improve our situation but it also leaves us feeling somewhat empty. The fact is that nothing gets all that much better.

Controlling consumption by thrift can only work when combined with generosity. We will see incredible changes in our lives when we put aside just a little bit of time and money to help those who are struggling as much, or more, than we. The emptiness that we experience and the urge to consume will dissipate as we extend ourselves to others. The result of generous giving by many is transformative.

Former Presidents Clinton and Bush (41) have joined in an effort to bring relief to Haiti.  All we have to do to help is to Text “HAITI” to "20222" and $10 will be given to the Clinton Foundation's Haiti Relief Fund, charged to your cell phone bill. Now there is a painless way to help relieve suffering. It always begins with you and me.

Acts of Kindness and The Sconestone

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around” ~ Leo Buscaglia

Much of our energy is devoted to what we can accomplish or gain in our lives. The success that we achieve in these areas, however, does not begin to measure up to the kindnesses that we do along the way. The human spirit is lifted only when we love each other, promote goodness, and act generously. Why, then, would we put such acts on the back burner?

Our inattention to that which is most important comes from a lack of focus and perspective. We are so busy with our daily grind that we lose track. It is really a matter of making the right choice. Choose to hurry on to whatever-it-is that is driving you…or choose to stop, wait and generously bestow your kindness.

A designer from Scotland has created a wonderful reminder of our mission to be kind and to do good. He fashioned the Sconestone. This small stone carving was inspired by ancient Scottish Neolithic orbs. It evolved as a symbol of wisdom and became a call to kindness. The rock group Runrig will launch the Sconestone on an international journey at it’s live concert on August 29th, 2009. The stone will pass to it’s first keeper who is entrusted with it for seven days. During that time the Keeper of the Sconestone is expected to do at least one act of kindness, encourage friends to touch it and pledge to an act of kindness and to then pass the stone on to person who will honor the purpose of the journey. They are also asked to write about the experience on the sconestone.com website. What a great idea!

Perhaps your efforts and the wave of enthusiasm for the Sconestone will remind of what is really important. Remember that it is the small things that make a difference. The ripples can change the contour of the day for everyone on the planet.