Charity and generosity often arise out of gratefulness for one’s own life and circumstances than anything else. Notice how giving without being asked, and giving substantially to enable self-reliance are pretty high up there? The point of giving and charity is to improve the world in some way. That doesn’t mean that your spirit isn’t nourished and nurtured in the process. It’s a fantastic side effect and often benefits an inner spirit already at peace in the most profound and generous of ways.
Gratefulness is the most profound gift of life. In the 12th century, Moses Maimonides outlined the 8 levels of charity.
- Giving unwillingly
- Giving willingly but giving less than you could
- Giving only after being asked
- Giving without being asked
- Giving to a recipient you do not know, but who knows you
- Giving to a recipient you know, but who does not know you.
- Giving when both parties are anonymous to each other.
- Giving that enables self-reliance
Recognizing this allows room for the growth of inner peace. Inner peace leads to peace of spirit.
Do you do these things?
Thinking
- Actively think of things you can do to help with your inner peace
- Think of the positive things about your life that help with your inner peace
- Seek out plans and situations that gravitate towards gratefulness and inner peace
Talk – New Language
- Do you speak of all the good and positive things that you are grateful for?
- Are you continuously telling yourself and reminding yourself to be grateful?
Behaviour
- Actively seek out behavior that allow for inner peace
- Focus on behaviors that you know can help with Inner peace
Relationships & Contribution
- Actively seek out and maintain relationships that cultivate inner peace
- Identify the positive aspects of the relationships you have that you’re grateful for
