“For it is in giving that we receive.”
― St. Francis of Assisi

Giving of oneself – whether it is in the form of cash or kind ideally should not be the big deal that it has become today. Because it honestly doesn’t take much from us. Especially when one has the will and the wherewithal to make a difference to someone’s life and become an instrument of their happiness.

There is much we can give –either easily or even with some amount of effort – as long as the basic principle of wanting to give freely underlies it all. We must WANT to give and give gracefully. It could take the form of cash or kind or skill or referral – the possibilities are endless. To one who needs it – and without expecting anything in return. Because giving is just that – it’s all about GIVING.

It is said that the world’s richest people such as Bill and Melinda Gates, Azim Premji and more – give large amounts of their resources and that includes both their wealth and time to causes that matter to them because it is only when they give they can make space to receive even more – for that is the Fundamental Law of the Universe.

In today’s day and age – I see a lot of people defining themselves by giving small but consistent financial amounts and making ongoing efforts to support others. And that seems to be the preferred way to do it for both the giver and the receiver as against one huge number being offered – albeit sporadically.

For some, however – the act of giving does not come easily. Even though they may be possessing the ability to do so. I believe the answer to this may lie partially in the practice of organized philanthropy and the entire industry that has sprung up around it. Here – I see a forced version of giving based on external pressure and not a true inner desire to do something good for others.

What is Stopping Us From Giving?

Several questionable establishments and often – well-known names often try to ‘guilt’ people into ‘giving/contributing’ for the betterment of others less fortunate. The compassion which is an important part of this practice is often missing in such cases of forced effort. I read somewhere that charity is about a celebrity asking you to part with your last bar of chocolate and give it to someone less fortunate – while he has a whole refrigerator full of them at home! That speaks volumes about the cynicism with which organized fundraising and philanthropical efforts are viewed!

Social media may also have a role to play in this context. The practice of conveying an idea or a cause – and attaching ask to it – can be seen as forced. People are pressured into giving rather than gently persuaded or being convinced about the impact their contribution can make.

Having said that, social media is also a very powerful tool for those who are facing genuine hardships in their lives. Organizations like Milaap and Humans of Bombay (who collaborate with a crowdfunding platform Impact Guru) leverage Instagram and Facebook to raise funds for the extremely needy. I am reminded of this story of a sewage worker who unfortunately lost his life and a picture of his grieving son went viral. A lot of good folks came forward to donate money for the family and more than Rs 57 lakhs was collected in a few days via a crowdfunding campaign run on ketto.org

The power of giving was clearly seen and especially from those who are truly empathetic!

How To Practice The Art of Giving?

So how does one practice the Art of Giving? We all know what it does and the benefits it brings. So why are we so reluctant to give?
I believe giving is a way of life. It is something that is embedded in one’s subconscious and comes as naturally as breathing. A true giver is someone who gives freely, not to prove anything or to gain validation, but simply because that is how they are as human beings. The benefits of giving and the joy it brings are only the icings on the cake. Those who give from the heart are engulfed in happiness, peace, and joy that is beyond any monetary satisfaction in the world. And they receive what they give – many times back in return!

Here are some steps that can help you kickstart the Art of Giving!

• It all begins at home. Begin with those in your immediate vicinity. Help is not determined by its sheer size and you can start with something small. This is also a good way to involve family members in doing collective good and create compassionate members of society. My senior citizen mother teaches English to the children of our house helps – every evening!
• Pick a cause that is closest to your heart. It can be education, veteran empowerment, women empowerment, animals, kids or anything else for that matter. And support that wholeheartedly! This passion blended with compassion will yield great results.
• Talk to like-minded people who are willing to bring a change via giving. This collective effort and community mindset will uplift ideas and build pathways towards the greater good on a larger scale.

I am truly inspired by those around me who give freely and joyfully – my first role model is my grandfather. We got to know about his noble acts of giving only when he passed on – as there were more than 3,000 persons present to pay their respects to him when his last rites were being performed. After the ceremonies – we heard about his many acts of giving and compassion. Be it sponsoring a child’s education, financing the marriage of a child, building a ‘Dharamshala’ and more.

On a daily basis – my mother in law continues to set an example for me and my children. She is a renowned cardiologist – who loves her work and the difference it can make to people’s lives. Treating underprivileged patients for free, distributing medicines to those in need, mentoring young doctors on her team are but a few examples of the value she creates in her life. All quietly and without any fuss whatsoever.

For me personally – the true act of giving is something that is reinforced by love and compassion with no expectation in return. I view God as the ultimate giver and choose to follow His path by giving to His people who are there in my life. And that is what makes the process of my Giving so very joyful and meaningful!

As the amazing Maya Angelou has said – “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”