Kindness paves a progressive path towards generosity. Adopting and augmenting a generous spirit is one way to give back to a world that gives us so much. We all continue to have days to spend here. How are we filling that time? Are we being generous with ourselves and with others? Personally, I know I have plenty of work to do here as far as being more generous with myself and with many others. It is not easy, but it is worth it.
As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours; and this we should do freely and generously.
-Benjamin Franklin
Can you reinvent your interactions? With more kindness embedded in our daily activities, are we able to help others freely and generously? We should simply help others because it is the best thing for us to do. There does not need to be an ulterior motive or some self-serving motivation in order for us to be kind to and beneficial for others. Generosity is giving without any expectations. Sometimes, those in need simply need to be seen. Many people yearn for a bit of attention, and that is something we can easily and willingly offer. Defend your time to not be abused; share your spare time to help others generously, too.
Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.
-Simone Weil
Especially in this day and age when so much all around us competes for our attention, simply showing up for a friend, or even a stranger, can provide value beyond anything physical or material. You may offer wisdom, or you may simply present a safe and silent space where they are able to process and proceed with their own healing thanks to your presence. Talking through an issue and feeling heard can do wonders for the soul, aiding in real recovery and rejuvenation for resounding, resolute restoration. In the end, you may never truly know just how much your rapt attention can refine or reform someone forever.
Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways, it can change someone else’s life forever.
-Margaret Cho
How generous are you with yourself and others? Do you find balance there? Are you giving in equal and proportionate amounts to what you get? Can you kindly assist in moments of need that you see arise around you? Are your eyes aware of what is around you? That is a good starting point. Be generous, reclaiming and controlling your attention.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.