Today is Day 8 and in this wonderful season of giving let us give, give and give some more. When you hear the word “give” does material giving pop into your head first? Do you immediately get a picture of a physical gift being given to you, or to someone else, by you?
If so, I want to suggest changing/adjusting that image. Even though we may believe otherwise, we often get trapped in a pattern of mental imagery that no longer represents where we are today.
I would imagine if asked, we would all agree that the most valuable of gifts are NOT physical. Yet, we still tend to think – pretty instinctively, of physical gifts as being the ultimate value. It takes focused intention to change mindsets.
Here’s my suggestion – when you hear “gift” this season feel joy, imagine peace and think thoughts of love. See yourself in your mind’s eye, giving the gift of time. Place this intention in your heart and each day make it happen – you hear “gift” (or say “gift”) and immediately “feel joy, imagine peace and think thoughts of love.”
Here are your specific suggestions for today:
SELF: Spend at least in minute per hour for 7 consecutive hours in quite reflection today. At the top of each hour, for 7 hours – set your alarm on your phone, clock, computer, etc… – stop and be still. Reflect, affirm, pray, send love, meditate…whatever you wish but just be still.
HOME: If you loved with a loved one or roommate, give them some time today. If you just can’t because of our schedule and responsibilities, give them a gift certificate, promising a block of time to whatever they’d like.
If you life alone, spend time in conversation with a neighbor.
RELATIONSHIPS: Select a relationship that is overdue for some quality time and let the person know you would like to sit and catch-up. Let them know you miss them and you are looking forward to just being together, talking, listening and laughing.
WORK: Spend a little extra time getting your work done today. Pump up the quality of your output by pouring love into what you do today – even more than usual. When a colleague is speaking to you, look at them and deeply listen. Do not respond in your mind as you listen.
COMMUNITY/Place of Worship (POW): If you have the time, volunteer somewhere – even if for 15 – 30 minutes. If you don’t, commit to volunteering somewhere in your community or POW sometime before the end of the year. Visit a community center, senior home, hospital, outreach center, soup kitchen, food bank…and just ask how can you help by giving some time.
Again…if time is not available today, call and make a commitment.
Time is the gift that keeps giving, it’s what people need most to feel loved (even if they don’t realize it) and it’s what gives us the most joy to give. Time allows us to give those spiritual and emotional gifts – hugs, listening, memory makers, warm feelings, laughter…all wrapped in the most perfect gift of love.
Have a blast giving time and love all day long, today.
Sending love – every minute at the top of the hour, I’ll be still too. 🙂