Motivation Mondays: GIVING SEASON #mondaymotivation

“It is in exchanging the gifts of the earth that you shall find abundance and be satisfied. Yet, unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger.” Khalil Gibran

Motivation Mondays: GIVING SEASON – Symbols #mondaymotivation

Certain actions free your heart of its maladies. The generosity of giving frees you from greed. The gift you can make of yourself each moment frees you from yourself. All that remains, my friend, is what you give. Faouzi Skali
This is how the world was created: everyone must know how to give and and how to receive. Whoever does not know how to do one as well as the other is like a barren tree.  Rabbi Yitzchak Aisik, the Hasid

What does GIVING mean to you? Why do you Give? People give for all sorts of reasons, and instead of giving the standard cliche, pat answer, it is better to really think about why we give. As I gathered material for this post, it struck me that giving is not just about giving alms to those in need. It is also about giving our gifts, talents, and skills to the upliftment of others; giving to ourselves, our loved ones and those around us; giving to our community, our country and the world.  If we ponder the  philosophy of giving, it will become clear that there is a synergy in giving and receiving.  As we open ourselves and our hearts to being able to give, we open the door to receive too.

Why do YOU give? Not just your charitable giving, why do you give of your time, your knowledge and self? I checked the date and today was the day, in 1877,  when Edison shared his gift of the phonograph to the world. As an inventor, he gave so much to us to make our lives a bit better  and we  still enjoy the gifts today.  This is also Cotton Candy, International Aviation and Letter Writing Day, and we can think about those who gave us their everlasting, creative gifts by inventing planes, pens and even paper. Hanukkah – the festival of lights, last for 8 days; on each day, small gifts are given to family members to honor this joyous celebration of the miracle of light, faith and community.  Giving is a blessing that benefits both the giver and the receiver; it helps us all.  If we start to think about the bigger picture of giving, we might start to appreciate its tremendous value to all, and how it sustains our planet and beyond.  Think about the questions in this post and read the quotes too… What about giving and receiving resonates with you?
A Story: Be Present To Give & Receive
Once when Zen master Bankei was about to leave a temple in the capital where he taught from time to time, a certain gentleman came requesting that the master postpone his departure. A certain baron had a question and wanted to see the Zen master in person on the morrow to resolve it. Bankei assented and put off leaving.
The next day, however, the gentleman came again, this time with a message that the baron had some urgent business to take care of and could not come to see the master. The baron had asked the gentleman to relay his question to Bankei, then report the Zen master’s answer back to him. When he heard the gentleman out, Bankei said, “This matter of Zen is difficult to convey even by direct question and direct answer; it is all the more difficult to convey by messenger.” The Zen master said nothing more. Speechless, the gentleman withdrew and departed. Source: Zen Antics Via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn

“Giving is unique to human beings. It is one of the traits that radically distinguishes us from the animal world. Charity is thus a line of demarcation between the humanity that inhabits us and the animality that possesses us.” Phillippe Yacine Demaison

Motivation Mondays: GIVING SEASON – Symbols #mondaymotivation

Motivation Mondays: GIVING SEASON – Symbols #mondaymotivation

Go to your fields and your gardens, and you shall learn that it is the pleasure of the bee to gather honey of the flower, But it is also the pleasure of the flower to yield its honey to the bee. For to the bee a flower is the fountain of life, And to the flower a bee is a messenger of love, And to both, bee and flower, the giving and the receiving of pleasure is a need and an ecstasy… Khalil Gibran

How does Giving make you feel? Why do you give to some and not to others? Even if we don’t admit it, there is a sense of joy, gratitude, and even pride that we feel when we give. Yes, some say give and forget about it. True. You should give without expectation but, we do have a certain expectation when we give. What do you expect? Appreciation? A thank you? A smile? A plaque with your name on it?  Regardless of how you perceive your giving approach and attitude, there is an observer that witnesses  our giving and that observer rejoices in our generosity.

As Khalil Gibran says above, “…the giving and the receiving of pleasure is a need and an ecstasy.” When we give cheerfully, we feel our spirit soar with delight and we get as much pleasure from it as the receiver. By the same token, when we give begrudgingly, we feel the twinge and even resentment that comes from giving with a partial heart. We are in the giving season and the motivation is higher to help others, especially those in need. But, do you give freely to all? Why to some and not to others? What makes it easier for you to give and what stands in the way when you are reluctant to give? Think about it and then remember that  … to err is human and to forgive is divine.
Giving Chapter V by Khalil Gibran
Then said a rich man, “Speak to us of Giving.”
And he answered:
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the over-prudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?
There are those who give little of the much which they have – and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Though the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving
And is there aught you would withhold? Khalil Gibran via Poemhunter.com: Giving Chapter V

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for November and December are:

11/02 – LEGACY/REMEMBRANCE – All Souls/All Saints Day (11/1)
11/09 – HONORING VETERANS – Veteran’s Day (11/11) &
11/16 –  HONORING ALL/OUR CHILDREN – Universal Children’s Day/World Children’s Day (11/20) & Great American Smokeout Day (11/19)
11/23 – GIVING THANKS – Thanksgiving Day! (11/26)
11/30 – REVISIT KINDNESS – World Kindness Day (11/13)

12/07  – GIVING SEASON – 6th Chanukah for 8 days, 7th International Civil Aviation Day, Letter Writing Day, National Cotton Candy Day, Pearl Harbor Day,  On this day in 1877- Thomas Edison shows off his new invention, the phonograph
12/14 – AWARENESS –  Poinsettia Day,  International Children’s Day (12/12,13 & 12/15) & Bill of Rights Day
12/21 –  HOLIDAY SPIRIT – Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year),  Festivus!, Christmas, Kwanzaa (12/12,13 & 12/15)
12/28 – THE JOURNEY –  National Fruitcake Day,  Boxing Day,  New Year’s Eve (12/27, 28 & 31)

More Below!

“The fulfilled man exists in a permanent and natural way; a harmonious balance between his relationship with the infinitely small and the infinitely large; in other words, with the microcosm and the macrocosm.” Khaled Bentounes

Motivation Mondays: GIVING SEASON – Symbols #mondaymotivation

Remember that you are not alone in this world. You depend on a thousand creatures that sustain the fabric of your life. The mirror of your heart is permeated with a multitude of images. Your soul is like a feather carried by the winds. But much more is still needed before you see yourself as you are. Faouzi Skali
And what desert greater shall there be, than that which lies in the the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving. Khalil Gibran

How motivated are you to increase your giving this season? Just as you receive the gift of breath every day without charge, extend your open hand to others. If you make time for yourself, make time to be of help to someone else. Remember that giving of your time is as valuable as any other gift you can muster. Give freely and encourage others to do same. Step out of the way when you are not ready to give and don’t discourage others from their benevolence. Be as open to receive as you are to give, the blessing is there for all.  I added the story about the Dog In the Manger because envy and selfishness are qualities that can deter us from giving freely. The dog doesn’t care about the hay but he fights to prevent those who need it, cows and horses, from reaching it. How do we stand in the way of others receiving their due? We do it in subtle and obvious ways by withholding information and favors. Choose this season to set aside pettiness and just give.

A Story: The Lesson of The Dog In The Manger
People frequently begrudge something to others that they themselves cannot enjoy. Even though it does them no good, they won’t let others have it. Listen to a fable about such an event. There was a wicked dog lying in a manger full of hay. When the cattle came and wanted to eat, the dog barred their way, baring his teeth. The cattle said to the dog, “You are being very unfair by begrudging us something we need which is useless to you. Dogs don’t eat hay, but you will not let us near it.” The fable shows that it is not easy to avoid envy; with some effort you can try to escape its effects, but it never goes away entirely.’ Steinhöwel‘s Esopus (c.1476) via Wikipedia

As we gear up for the holiday season, let us not forget all the families in need, families hurting, and those who have lost lives/loved ones around the world. Happy Holiday Season!

Positive Motivation Tip: This is Giving Season and we can contribute to the upliftment of others in many ways; directly and indirectly.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

• Motivation Mondays: KINDNESS #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Happy Thanksgiving #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Honoring Universal Children’s Day (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Honoring All Veterans (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: LEGACY #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: FEAR #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: COMMUNITY #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: DISCOVERY #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: SMILE #mondaymotivation (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Good Neighbors & Goodwill #GoodNeighborDay (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Partnerships For Peace (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: POSITIVE THINKING (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: LABOR & LITERACY (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: HOPE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: FAILURE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: PURPOSE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: CONTROL (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: TIME (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: GRACE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: WEALTH (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: WORRY (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: FREEDOM (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: TRUST (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: DETERMINATION (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: SACRIFICE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: POSSIBILITIES (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: SIMPLICITY (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Honoring SERVICE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: WHAT’S A WELLNESS, FITNESS, HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: HAPPINESS (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: APPRECIATION (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: GROWTH (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: MISTAKES (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: PERFECTION (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: STRENGTH (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: HEALTH (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Responsibility (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Patience Is A Virtue (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: READ – Honoring Dr.Seuss (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: CELEBRATION (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Presidents Day & Leadership (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: LOVE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: ATTITUDE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Comfort Zone (mirthandmotivation.com)
• Motivation Mondays: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Most Inspired Quotes(mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Perspective (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: SILENCE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Regrets (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Joy! (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Compassion (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: The Busy Busy Trap (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Forgiveness (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Acceptance (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: GRATITUDE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Forgiveness (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Courage (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: Dream (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: CHANGE (mirthandmotivation)
• Motivation Mondays: (mirthandmotivation)
• RIP Zig Ziglar: King of Motivation… (mirthandmotivation)
• Reflections: Be The Change… (mirthandmotivation)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Stories via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn  All Photos:  Edison Phonograph, lamp for Hanukkah, Eating Cotton Candy, Letter Writing by Philippe-Jacques van Brée, Paper Crane, Aviation- Farewell Spit, Saturn’s Rings, Dog in a Manger, Santa and his sleigh, via Wikipedia and/or my Personal Collection

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet