Namaste': I honor the part of you that is of light, truth, love and peace. When you're in that place in you, and I'm in that place in me, we are ONE!
During these times, we see many people bustling around doing "good." Some are writing checks to several places, spreading their wings wide, and also running here, there and everywhere they are "called" to respond.
The question: Is this "good" being done from the Spirit within or because of the world without?
"Namaste'" should help us differentiate one from the other.
This term is much more than a definition and is actually a way of life.
When a person adapts a "namaste'" attitude, they really are choosing to shrug off fully the exterior trappings of a person and get to the core of their being. So, if, for example, someone has an off-putting personality, the "namaste'" attitude would help you go beyond that exterior to see the truth of the Spirit within the person and also help you to hold to that truth no matter what the "personality" may be displaying in any given moment.
Similarly, we should be able to get past the "good" personality types to see the truth about a person's motivation to act.
Many "good" acts are prompted by a sense of obligation vs. the true purity of spirit that recognizes ourselves in another and the interconnectedness of ALL beings.
So, if an act of "goodness" is because you have more than enough to spare, and because a person believes that a kind act would get more "mileage" by spreading "thin" their kind deeds, then think again about what GOOD that person is serving and to whom.
True "Godliness" comes from that namaste' attitude that sees beyond the exterior, ours or another's, and reaches into the core of our being prompting us to act.
A person acting from "Godliness" truly reflects and seeks guidance from within before writing a check or assuming a role of helpfulness. Often, the person discerns that it may be best to help one person than 20 people, as it would do more "good."
Typically, this person acting from a perspective of "Godliness" is silent and unseen in his or her actions, not wanting ANY attention drawn to the "cause" of good.This comes from integrity. This comes from the Soul within.
There is no audience. Simply Spirit.
One such person I know often says, "I'd prefer to write ONE check and feel I've made the difference in the life of one person than to write 10 and change nothing."
Many charities and other groups are providing service to many people. Their efforts should be applauded. The question: Are they truly serving the common good, or appeasing the conscience of a few?
When a person gives to a charity, the funds are spread out to several pieces within that organization. So, for example, in the case of a homeless shelter, a $1,000 contribution may filter down to really helping five people in a shelter for a week, who typically sleep 10 people in a room with a 5 p.m. curfew, maybe get a meal and have to do individual and other chores while in the shelter. Think of yourself having to live in those conditions and think about what you'd choose: a shelter or your car?
Question: Barring natural disaster situations, would that $1,000 contribution you gave to the shelter be better served helping ONE person avoid homelessness for a month or two?
The truth lies within.
When we assume a kind act, we all know whether we are doing so from a sense of "Goodness" or "Godliness."
Choose wisely. Choose kindly.
Namaste',
Che'
1 comment:
COMMENT FROM EMAIL:
Dear Che':
I think this is a wonderful blog, the highlight of which was your accurate description of life in a shelter. George Orwell's DOWN AND OUT IN PARIS AND LONDON should be required reading in the seventh grade or so. He died, relatively early, from tuberculosis, no doubt contracted during his "tramping" days.
I remember a day when my son, Anthony, was about ten, and we were downtown Christmas shopping. The Junior League was collecting for the homeless. Anthony asked why anyone would give to the rich ladies and not to individual homeless people directly, "eliminating the middle man."
We are living through times that are trying to the soul and spirit. Your blog makes us more aware of those organs, and I thank you for it!
READER
Post a Comment