THE BUTCHER, THE BAKER,
AND THE CANDLESTICK MAKER

Each of us possesses a wealth of gifts inside that can be freely given to the world without reservation, restriction, or judgment.  Some of us possess that uncanny ability to make others feel calm and comfortable whenever we are in their presence.  Some of us have that effervescent, contagious energy that is soaked up by anyone with whom they spend time.  While others are like our safe haven, the person we go to for help, for support, or for an ear when we need to vent.  We all know these people; in fact you are probably one of them.  How could we ever get by without them?  How could our communities possibly survive and thrive without you?  Wouldn’t it be a shame not to share our gifts with others?

As this holiday season comes upon us once again it is inevitable that we will be bombarded with requests from several well-deserving charities for donations.  These requests are generally for monetary gifts and the monies received go to finance several operations to help relieve some of the despair in the lives of many.  Some of us are able to give generously and unconditionally while others have found themselves unable to give as much as they hoped this year leaving us with the question, “what contribution can I make?

There is no need to reinvent the wheel when determining how to use your personal gift to serve the community.  Offering up your extra time and energy can allow others to relax, exercise, or make a much needed visit to a friend or family member.  You can offer to walk a neighbor’s dog, rake their leaves, shovel away snow, baby sit, or run an errand or two for those on our block or in our building.  Don’t have much extra time; no worries.  Try burning a soothing music CD for those you know who may need it during these hectic times.  Offer to help clean a friend’s home so you can share a walk together and possibly serve as your friend’s sounding board.  Or, simply accompany a friend or family member on that much dreaded trip to the airport.

Whether you are your community’s butcher, baker, or candlestick maker; teacher, lawyer, or banker; we all have something to contribute.  The more we connect, the more we give toward the development of our communities.  Mere acquaintances and neighbors begin to feel more like friends and friends begin to feel like family.  So I hope you put aside some time to collect memories that you can hold in your heart for a lifetime.  Be generous with your gifts and indulge yourself in the powerful, inexplicable feeling of joy that follows.

With Gratitude,

Paula Giglio

~ Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured ~

BKS Iyengar

 


(Salvatore Giglio - www.sagefinearttaos.com)