Finding the Heart of Giving: A 10-Minute Practice
Christmas means many things to different people, but at its heart it is a day dedicated to giving. It’s a perfect day to reflect on the essence of giving—the joy of sharing, the warmth of generosity, and the quiet beauty of charity. It’s a day to pause and realign with the deeper meaning of the season, moving beyond the material and into the heart of what it means to give. Take these ten minutes to re-center yourself in the spirit of generosity and reconnect with the impact your giving can have on the world.
Try this:
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit where you won’t be disturbed. If you have an object that symbolizes giving—a small gift, a favorite photo, or simply an open hand—place it in front of you as a focal point. Let it serve as a reminder of the love and connection that giving brings.
Step 2: Center with Your Breath
Close your eyes and take a deep, steady breath. As you inhale, imagine receiving warmth and joy from the world around you. As you exhale, picture sending that same warmth out into the world. Let your breath flow like a gentle exchange—a rhythm of giving and receiving, in perfect harmony. Stay with this rhythm for a few moments, feeling it settle your body and mind.
Step 3: Contemplate Giving
When you feel calm and present, think back to a time when you gave something meaningful—your time, resources, or kindness. Picture the person or people you gave to, and recall the emotions of that moment. How did it feel to know your gift mattered? How did that act of generosity reflect your values and your heart? Let those memories fill you with gratitude for the opportunity to give.
Step 4: Extend the Circle of Charity
Now, bring to mind someone who may need support right now. This could be someone close to you or even a stranger you’ve encountered recently. Picture them in your mind and imagine the challenges they might be facing. Visualize sending them a wave of kindness, as if light is radiating from your heart to theirs. Trust that this simple act of compassion holds power, even if it is unseen.
Step 5: Set an Intention to Give
As you return to the room, open your eyes and take a moment to consider how you might carry this spirit of giving forward. Is there one small act of kindness you can offer today or in the coming days? It might be a phone call, a note of encouragement, or a thoughtful gesture. Whatever comes to mind, hold it as an intention—a promise to yourself to give from the heart.
The heart of Christmas isn’t in what we give, but in how we give. When we share with love, no matter how small the gesture, we become part of something larger—a circle of generosity that connects us all. Carry that with you today, and let it guide you through the season and beyond. Merry Christmas.