True Generosity

 True generosity:

 it's considered true generosity, spontaneous, and equal in both giving and receiving - this is really just being aligned with nature, living in accordance to the natural rhythm of life. Every moment is one true generosity, that we give even without our conscious knowing, and through this gain the support of all the world. Our breath is one example, air cleansed by trees and other greenery as if tailored for our lungs alone, and in return we offer our exhalation, filled with carbon dioxide and used in their own production of energy. It's a beneficial breath, drawn and exhaled, generous by its very nature. 

it's similar to the host of microbes that call our bodies home, infinite numbers living on our skin and other organs. They are so vast as to outnumber human cells, our own identity really being one of sharing, of many living things in cooperation for the the whole. Microbes protect and guard against harmful bacteria, they produce specific vitamins that our bodies won't make on their own, and their presence serves for harmonious intestinal health. We are generous through our entire bodies, giving ourselves as space in return for every benefit they provide. 

this is true generosity.

it's what we are.

there's really no need to practice this, it's natural, spontaneous, and to simply be aware that we are so seamless in this exchange of continuous giving and receiving brings us to the spirit of our original generosity. There's nothing to do but be exactly as we are, mindful that there is only one great belonging for every aspect of the world. Our generosity stems from this belonging, a deep and sure knowledge of our shared existence. Sadly, it seems we have forgotten our spirit of true generosity, viewing life only by means of what's given and not of what we offer in return. Even our breath is seldom considered through its grace of ease and continuous giving. So perhaps there is a practice, a simple remembering of our seamless place within the world, our presence at once a gift of being as well as what we offer. My own practice is early morning silence, pre-dawn, everything hushed, listening...

remembering happens on its own.

stillness, the quiet morning, reminds me of my presence. 

the world tells me I belong.

and grateful, I give myself away...

seamless once more. 

~

Peace, Eric