January 23 – Intention of generosity

Dear Friends,

I’m taking a 12-week on-line class that’s diving into various teachings. The topic this week is on generosity.

In this series of emails, I’ve been reflecting on several daily life practices we can do to bring more mindfulness into our lives. Generosity is a beautiful practice in this regard.

Rick Hanson says we are “genetically programmed to be cooperative and generous.” We are hard wired for generosity.

In a way, that might be a problem. Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia wrote about hurdles we may need to overcome with regard to generosity:

acting out of our conditioning or social values in such a way that we never get beyond the standards and habits of our culture or of our youth … getting so caught up in ideas and notions of giving, or acting so compulsively, that we go through the motions of generosity but fail to notice what is going on in our hearts. We never reflect on what dāna [generous giving] is all about; thus, we fail to experience what is possible through it.

Later, she recalls teachings on generosity and describes the benefits that can manifest, if we are mindful:

Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy.
While giving the mind of the giver is made peaceful.
After having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted.
(A 3.6.37)

When we get into the groove of generosity it is as if we are getting in tune with a natural and innate human quality, working with it instead of against it.

So here are two practices I invite you try today and throughout this week:

1. In a meditation practice, you can make reflecting on an act of generosity an object of attention. The reflections for the course I’m taking describe the practice this way: “The memory of the generous act stimulates the quality of the generous mind. We recognize it, feel it, and contemplate it. Notice the qualities of your mind brighten. Notice the wholesome states that develop through this meditative recollection.”
2. Pay attention to the many acts of generosity you offer every day. Remember generosity can be very simple but profound acts: letting a car in to merge, holding the door for someone coming behind you, smiling at a stranger. You might also notice when giving is easy and when you might be holding back, and get curious about that.

I hope you’ll have fun with these explorations. For me, I’ve found tuning into my innate generosity has been a transformative practice, both in quietening the self-critic and opening the heart.

If you’re so inclined, be generous with your reflections! Send an email, or comment here!

With best wishes,
Andrea