Love – Compassion – Generosity

Points of Light:

Are you happier when you are doing things for yourself or when you are giving time to others? When you perform an act of kindness, do you wait to hear that word of recognition or see that glance of appreciation? Is your love for all those you interact with subtly colored with conditions of what you hope to expect in return? We often expect a great deal from others and often forget what we have to offer them in return. In relationships, we expect things, validation, or the filling of some void within us, from those we get close to. We feel that because we love them, we have rights over them. Given these expectations, the other person does not have the freedom to progress freely. Once we realize that our essence is love and that we are love, we no longer place conditions on the love that we give. We start to have compassion for others and realize that we are all on the same journey, going at different paces. There is true joy in giving. A beautiful quote from Hafiz, a 14th century Sufi philosopher, “Even after all this time, the Sun never says to the earth, you owe me. Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.”

Daily Practice for Self Growth and Social Impact:

Give your full attention to someone without needing anything back from them.
Have gratitude for everything good in your life.
With true love, you can provide the right environment for others so that they can progress in their lives.
Do not hold onto those you love or expect them to do everything according to your needs. Pure love means unconditional acceptance. It creates the atmosphere of freedom to progress freely.

Meditation: Connecting with the Ocean of Love, Kindness and Generosity: