Wake Me Up: Morning Positivity - Morning Motivation - Generosity | Giving the Gift of Yourself

Episode Date: October 19, 2022

This morning, get inspired to be a more generous and compassionate person. See how you can change your life, and the world, through giving. Enjoying Wake Me Up? Get ad-free access to the entire WMU catalog + bonus content by joining the WMU Premium Feed. Sign up and start your 7-day free trial at https://wakemeup.supercast.com/. Follow the show on Spotify - Apple Podcasts - Amazon - Podchaser Say hi or request an episode at www.wakemeuppodcast.com/contact. See visual guides for the yoga and stretches in WMU episodes at www.wakemeuppodcast.com/stretches. And find the podcast on Instagram and TikTok. **Only partake in the physical movements suggested in Wake Me Up episodes if you are physically able and in safe surroundings. All movements are done at the individual's own risk. Be safe, and always consult a doctor if you have any questions or concerns.** Have a wonderful day 😃 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you'd like to enjoy Wake Me Up completely ad-free and get access to exclusive bonus content, check out the link in the show notes for the Wake Me Up premium feed. Hey there, welcome to Wake Me Up. I'm your host, Tyler, as always. Today, we're continuing with this week's theme about generosity. As children, most of us are taught to share what we have with others, from toys to snacks and time on the swing set. But as we grow older, we tend to forget how fulfilling it can be to give, especially in a world where we're always seeking to gain more.

We're constantly looking for more money, the next big job, vacation, a meal, an outfit, or technology. We want whatever we're presented with that seems like it will strengthen our sense of identity. Our consumer-based mindset so often loses focus and forgets that there is another, option to being fulfilled, and that is to give generously. By the end of this episode, you'll be filled with a sense of compassion, and your eyes will be opened to notice more opportunities where you can give to other people. But before we dive in, just take a moment to pause. Take a deep breath in, filling all the way up, hold at the top, and then release.

and think of someone in your life who has given you a tremendous amount of value. That might be a family member, a friend, a coworker, or even a boss or teacher. And as you sit here right now, send some love their way. If they have been that helpful in your life, they definitely deserve it. What are the qualities of that person that you really appreciate? And think about whether those qualities you really appreciated about them, were material in nature. In other words, were they things or stuff that they had?

Or instead, was it their qualities and their personality? Perhaps you notice that you've actually benefited less from this person's material gifts and more from their words of wisdom, love, or support. So keep that in mind as you share your own gifts. Now, feel free to go about your morning routine, making your coffee, having a stretch, or going for a walk, whatever it is that you like to do with your mornings.

And while you do that, let's dive a little bit deeper into the idea of generosity. You see, we all have an unlimited supply of generosity, especially if we consider our generosity that's not tied to material things. Buddhism teaches that generosity and letting go are deeply intertwined, and that they're actually mastered together. The more we can be okay with letting go and giving what we have, the better we will be at giving without the expectation of receiving something in turn.

And as a result, everyone, including ourselves, will benefit. When we give to others, we create a butterfly effect. Because when other people witness acts of compassion and generosity, they're reminded of their own ability to give at any time, and they'll be more encouraged to do that. And whether that's paying for a stranger's coffee, writing a letter of appreciation to someone, or sharing words of wisdom with a friend or a child,

there are endless ways to give. Zen master Tikna Khan said that we not only give physical gifts, but our happiness, freedom, knowledge, and wisdom too. In fact, one of the best gifts you can give is your own presence, really being there for someone. Again, as Ticknat Han said, make yourself fully present in the here and now, and you'll be able to touch the many items that are available for you to make into a gift and then give it to the person in front of you. And if you can do that, the gift will go to you at the same time, because you'll be able to you. the fruit of the practice is instantaneous. I'm sure we can all think of someone whose presence just through a phone call would feel like a gift. So don't think that you need to give your

life savings away just to be generous. Generosity can also be a powerful tool to combat negative feelings. The Buddha suggested that when you're angry at someone and you find that the anger won't go away, then you should give them a gift. He suggested that you prepare the gift when you're not angry and give it to them when you are. This act also shows the concept of impermanence, that our feelings will inevitably go through changes, and we'll become angry with the people we're presently at peace with. The gift that we offer is a means to bring that love back. It's a way to become a bigger and better person. We often forget that in the midst of feeling completely divided with someone,

All we have to do is go past our own ego to reach compassion. This is also something that Ticknaudhan talked about. He said that both generosity and letting go allow you to get from one shore to another. Like moving from the shore of jealousy to kindness, impatience to patience, or anger to compassion. Friends, we can all admit that we haven't been taking as many opportunities to give as there are in a day. And that's okay.

It's human nature to always keep an eye out for what there is to gain. But it's also human nature to want to see others thrive, receive, and be loved. And perhaps the biggest part of becoming a more generous person is to be more generous with yourself.

Just like you give others grace and patience, give yourself the room to grow, the time to become more aware of all the ways that you can become your best self. We often see giving as a selfless act, but that's not totally true. There's a selfish portion of it as well because giving makes us feel good.

And that's great. The best things in life allow everyone to benefit. So get creative with new ways to give. And once you see how the practice of giving can lead to a more fulfilling life, you'll start to notice that there are so many changes. chances to be generous. Your time, your words, and resources are all valuable, and people can really see and feel your efforts. You have the power to create a ripple effect of generosity

in the world. So let your gifts spread. Give freely, and don't be afraid to encourage a culture of giving. You may not see all of the effects of your generosity, but don't let that stop you. Some of that generosity will come back to you, and you never know who you'll inspire. Even the smallest act of compassion has an influence far greater than we can imagine. As the mental health activist and speaker, Ashley Iverson puts it, the act of giving with pure intentions is like waving a magic wand over your life. Give generously and watch your life transform before your eyes. So go out there, open yourself to others, and share your gifts.

I challenge you today to find at least three things that you can give to others. And it doesn't have to be monetary. In fact, it might even be better if it's not. For example, tell someone what qualities you love about them, or ask a stranger about their day, and give them the gift of listening fully. These are all things worth giving Because truly, you are the gift.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks so much for tuning in and joining me here today. I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to go give the gift of yourself to the world. Tomorrow, we'll be back for a premium-only episode, a loving-kindness meditation that will help you develop a deeper sense of compassion and generosity towards yourself. I bet it'll give you those warm fuzzies and make you feel great about being you.

So if you're interested, I do hope you join me. Grab a seven-day free trial of Wake Me Up Premium and just try out the bonus episodes and add-free listening. See if you like it before you have to commit. Just follow the link in the show notes to sign up on Supercast. Thanks again for listening. Now go out. Give the gift of yourself to the world, and have an absolutely fantastic day.