Sharing Delight
This morning I am once again inspired by a quote sent to my email box by Pema Chödrön. She wrote in her book Start Where You Are:
“If an experience is delightful or pleasant, usually we want to grab it and make it last. We’re afraid that it will end. We’re not inclined to share it. The lojong teachings encourage us, if we enjoy what we are experiencing, to think of other people and wish for them to feel that. Share the wealth. Be generous with your joy. Give away what you most want. Be generous with your insights and delights. Instead of fearing that they’re going to slip away and holding on to them, share them.”
For me this highlights the importance of letting the warmth and glow of our pleasure and delight shine so that others might feel what we are feeling. I think it is so very easy to forget this step. It can be such a deep gift for others when you share the warmth you’re feeling in your heart. This is true even if the sharing is only in your mind, is just a quick thought. Small acts of generosity, even if what’s being offered is simply spaciousness, a compliment or open heartedness.
As we slide into the darkest and coldest time of the year, there are portals that open to our family members and friends that no longer walk this earth. We can think generously of those that have gone before us, and send warmth and kindness to them and feel gift of life that they gave us and continue to give us as we walk this life. This is a good time to feel the gift in the cold in the rain that beckons us to stay warm and dry inside and find that extra bit of rest and ease.
When you find this ease, I urge you to share it. Share it with someone you love, share it close and share it wide. It really will make a difference. In my experience, contrary to dissipating the delight and warmth we feel, we experience a feeling of the pleasure getting bigger, warmer, brighter.
Lastly, and most importantly I would like to let you know how much I experience your kindness, warmth and generosity of spirit as I practice. I am grateful to be doing what I do, and happy to spend the time I do with all of you.
With warmth, gratitude and delight, I wish you an ease filled holiday and a new year in which your hearts may be full of honey, your interactions with those you love full of blessings, no misfortune, and 13 thank yous!
Teo
