The art of giving from your heart, that is separate from the scramble most people launch this time of year, takes some thought and consideration. There is a spiritual aspect to giving and receiving, and there is a way to put meaning back into it, if it has lost significance for you.
Making it more than a call to action to buy, buy, buy means slowing down and considering what’s important. It is profoundly special if its meaningful and sad if it’s a hallow task.
Here are some thoughts on what makes giving an art form from the heart.
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE
The wonderful part of giving is the opportunity to express your love, appreciation and care for one another. It’s a seasonal tradition that spans thousands of years to pagan times (with the celebration of Saturnalia honoring the bounty of the agricultural god Saturn), before being incorporated into Christmas. Even Hannukah’s festival of lights and the Hindu celebration of Pancha Ganapati have aspects of gift giving. But none are as excessive as our Western society. Consider a return to the simple message –finding a way to express your love and care for others.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
The heart of a gift is how it personally relates to its recipient. It’s not about trendy, expensive or lavishness, it’s about knowing and appreciating someone and what has meaning to them. The perfect book, the small significant treasure, the useful, the handmade or homemade will always have more meaning. Consider what will speak to your loved ones. And please, don’t cover up for those who don’t want to give. Let them find their own way.
LESS IS MORE
I was impressed to learn of a client’s message to her family that she wants her kids to receive one gift from family – not piles. We become inundated with stuff to the point it loses meaning. What would make giving simpler and more significant? I say this to myself too for I love giving and need to rein in my tendency to overdo it.
I’d love to hear about your pattern with this. If it’s something you’d like to explore, please reach out.
