The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Good morning. On this Christmas Eve, this was my reading from one of my favorite meditation books: The Promis of a New Day by Karen Casey & Martha Vanceburg (Hazelden 1991).
...... [To] take something from yourself, to give to another, that is humane and gentle and never takes away as much comfort as it brings again. - Thomas More
We take different kinds of pleasure in giving. Perhaps the purest is the gift to a child so young it doesn't really know who the gift came from; the pure joy that the teddy bear or pull-toy produces is our reward, unmixed by any expectation of return.
When children get older, we want something back form them: gratitude, respect. The gift is less pure. When lovers exchange gifts, their pleasure is often tinged with anxiety: Did I give more than I got? Did I get more than I gave? Or with power: He'll always remember where he got that shirt; she owes me something for the fur jacket.
To friends and relations our gifts reflect many things: our appreciation of thier lives, our shared memories, our prosperity. We tend to give in the spirit of self-expression.
Perhaps the closet we can come to a pure gift is an anonymous one: a gift of volunteer work, of blood, or a contribution to charity. Such a gift, which can never be acknowledged or returned by those it comforts, can heal our spirits when they are wearied by too much ego.
The gift of myself can be a gift to myself.
Such a wonderful post. We may not know our real names, but the "anonymous gifts" you leave me everyday, fills me with love and joy. Enjoy your holidays. Much love and blessings to you all. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Live strong, Karilynn, Hubby and Piper Claus
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Happy Holidays to you too sweet Karilynn...you are such a joy and inspiration...Sending you blessings and love during this holiday season and all year long from our family to yours. Marmalade sends his best kitty wishes to Pipers and hopes a little catnip is in Pipers stocking..(Marm peeked and knows there is some in his) love, rosie
