Offering

OFFERING = to present, bestow, bring before; presenting something to a deity; a gift

QUESTION: What is a gift that you are offering to the world?

STORY: Simple things often connect us with the Spiritual. I look around my world right now and see a ceramic pot on my computer table that holds my pens and pencils. I look at this pot everyday but now I remember that it was created by Daniel, a beautiful, kind-hearted, middle school student in my art class of 2014. It warms my heart to remember him. Then, I look at the wall and see a group of photographs from my 1987 trip to Hawaii and a paper certifying that I completed the fundamentals of both ancient and modern Hula - signed by George Naope. Special people fill me with warm memories. We all are born with talents and gifts. We each must find our own unique way to develop and offer our gifts to the world. In my elder years, I am offering a new talent that I call: LISTENING TO OTHERS. As I develop my ability to listen more deeply to others - I believe it will help me to teach classes that will benefit many people. Where are you in your life and what are you offering the world?

QUOTES

“Everyone has a gift for something, even if it is the gift of being a good friend.” ~ Marian Anderson

“Life’s most persistent and most urgent question is - what are you doing for others?” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s not how much we give - but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Theresa

“True generosity is an offering, given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share.” ~ Suze Orman

EXERCISE

STOP.

Sit quietly. Assume an erect posture.

Sense the breath.

Relax and gently look around your world. Become aware of an object that was given to you as a gift.

Get your pen and paper and write a few words describing this gift, why it is important to you and who gave it to you. And if you have a few more minutes, draw a few lines - expressing the gifts that you are - and will continue - offering to your world.