Why Giving is Important? It is in Giving that we truly Learn to L I V E
by Therese Miu on 18/10/09 at 5:31 am
I cried for few hours and here’s WHY…
CAN I ASK YOU SOMETHING???
Don’t you feel really good when someone gives you something whether it’s your birthday or whether it’s for no occasion at all?
Don’t you feel warmth in your heart?
Christmas is coming up and is the most favorite holidays Season.
Since we are almost on the midst of the holiday season. I decided to share this with you something that happened just few days ago.
Giving back has always made me feel so whole. I remember not having enough money yet I would consistently spend my days in different non-profit organizations and do volunteer work. I enjoyed being in the frontline. I would probably say this is really one of the best times in my life. I love connecting with people and sharing my ideas, time, and resources.
Sometimes it’s not about the “feel good” emotions that come with it, rather than the person that you become in the process. It helps you understand that Life is BEYOND YOU. It’s not always being in the “grind” rather it’s about true genuine relationships that you develop along the way.
In life we are either “taking” or we are “giving,” and every moment you can choose which one you will do at every given time. And it starts with YOU.
If you would take, you must first give ~~Lao-tzu
HERE’S MY STORY!
The reason why I was in complete tears (like a baby!) was because for a number of months now. I have stepped away from my volunteer adventures and really focused on my business as well as in my home. I did an amount of research on which cause I felt strongly with and the one that I felt very connected was AMALA FOUNDATION. Here’s the Mission Statement:
“The Amala Foundation works to create a peaceful, equitable and compassionate world by unifying communities in service, inspiring youth to lead with a heart-centered global perspective, and living in recognition that sustainable peace begins within.”
They have a once a year Peace gathering with all youths from all over the country. Here’s a list of different diverse countries that teens come from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Congo, Burma, Thailand, Somalia, Yemen, Cuba, Kenya, Burundi, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and United Kingdom. “Many of the youth come from homes challenged by poverty, violence, and deprivation; some have witnessed the atrocities of war and have literally run for their lives; many have been uprooted from their native cultures and struggle to integrate into an entirely foreign world. Everyone in the Village is invited to speak about their experiences, to share their perspectives, and to find within themselves new inspiration to live as leaders for peace.”
They gather for 9 day Global Youth Peace Summit uniting 70 International refugee immigrant and local youth peace Leaders. Please Take a Moment to WATCH this quick video of the Peace Summit.
I have been faithfully contributing to Amala Foundation for number of months.
Just a FEW DAYS AGO….
I was going about my day when I received a letter from 3 refugees from the Peace Conference and 1 Peace Leader. I was in complete tears to hear their story and how the conference has changed their lives. Some stories they shared with me where:
“My vision for the world is to see great men forsake their pleasures and support the small men not because they want to get the glory but because they accept that all men were born equal but with different abilities. My vision for the world is to see all men coming together not minding their religion or social status and working together as one…living in love peace and unity.” Gyps Nigeria 17 yrs old.
“I tell the world to love, respect, and honor yourself. To find yourself and know who you are. To take the opportunity to open your heart to others. To become vulnerable. To get to know the people that surrounds you. To take the challenge and listen to your heart. You can be surprise to find out how similar we all are.” Ana, Mexico, 17 yrs old.
“My Message to the world is to show who I am in my inside and I want to show not my face nor my body. NO. I want to show the world my heart. I found my dream.And my dream is to show the world my heart.” Ali, Afganistan, 17 yrs.old
One Peace Leader shared her story about the agenda of everyday for Global Youth Peace Summit. She shared, “We would wake up at 7am, and have ‘morning movement’ which consisted of yoga, tai chi, capoiera, and other exercises. We would them take a silent walk to a sacred circle. We shared songs, prayers and chants from our religions, cultures, countries. One exercise we did was where everyone stood on one side of the room and when a fact was called out (i.e. “I have lived in a country that was at war,” or “I have been sexually harassed”) that was true for you, you would cross to the other side of the room. It was a very eye-opening experience to see how many people crossed every single time.” Olivia Peace Leader
As I sat there in complete silence. I really felt their message speaking to me. They mentioned that the small contributions that they received HAVE MADE all the DIFFERENCE in their LIFE. Yet as I sat there with complete acceptance, joy, and love…My message to them would have been that THEY HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN ME.
Yet this letters has lingered to my every being with such great delight and happiness that comes from within when You Give Purposefully. The aura of peace stays with you for a while. It can last for a very long time. And the happiness and relief I felt could not be broken or ignored. I really felt ALIVE and excited to see how a small amount of contribution can ripple effect into a magnitude of love into their life.
“Give me love, give me peace on earth, give me light, give me life, keep me free from birth, give me hope, help me cope, with this heavy load, trying to, touch and reach you with, heart and soul”George Harrison
I do have one simple advice for you:
Before you can G I V E to the world—You Must be willing to give to yourself, then Give to your family, relatives, friends, community, and then the World.
Sometime we overlook this. However it is very IMPORTANT.
“IF 150 STRANGERS COULD LIVE IN PEACE, SO CAN THE WORLD!” Olivia, Peace Leader
Here’s SOME PICTURES of the letters I received in the mail…
What stories do you have about charity work, tithing, and volunteer?
How can you give back to people close to you in your life with whole heart, right intentions, and open mind?
What other qualities arises when one person gives? What does this do for his/her character?
Do you believe that living is giving?
Please share. And make a comment below.
I appreciate it if you would share this in your community of friends and family on facebook and twitter.
Thank you
In Love & Gratitude,
Therese Miu
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”
PLEASE LEAVE me a COMMENT & if you want your own picture next to your comment PLEASE PLEASE GRAB A GRAVATAR
THANK YOU!
Iva
Oct 27th, 2009
One of my favorite quotes “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ” – Winston Churchill
Stacy Pavey
Oct 29th, 2009
THIS is so very important….I love it. I sponsor two girls monthly, one in Brooklyn NY and one in Cambodia…the amount I give monthly is so minimal to me and I often wonder how that can make a difference in their lives….Remind me and I will show you the beautiful letter that I got from my beautiful girl in Cambodia, it touched me deeply, especially when she called me her “Mommy in Christ”, I think that is what it said, anyway to impact a child and make their life a little better is something no one can ever take away from us…
Beatriz
Oct 30th, 2009
Therese,
There is so much love and wisdom in your words. It is your interpretation of humanity. . .the choices . . and the real meaning of life.
One day I will see you among the worlds leaders carrying your message!
In Love and Gratitude
Mariz Brown
Nov 6th, 2009
I love this one so much I posted it on Facebook. First time I read the story I felt compelled to put ‘giving’ as one of my goals to accomplish. It seems that ‘giving’ is the least of priorities. you can’t help but think of yourself in a fast pace world. Pausing to reflect will put us in a state outside of ourselves; being conscious of nature, how our actions affect others, how each moment is constantly renewing and so much more. But the point is to not always be consumed by our own needs, but especially of others. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. Please keep it up and we will change the world one story at a time.
City Sylvester
Nov 7th, 2009
Therese, I love your posts. They are so meaningful, because they are timeless. If money became obsolete tomorrow most of our careers and skills would be of no use. Learning how to love another human being is an exceedingly meaningful and priceless skill. I like this organization, and will definitely start supporting them.
Thanks for sharing your heart.
Misty
Nov 9th, 2009
Therese, this is such a nice post, and a wonderful reminder on the art of Giving. I am so grateful for this connection with you.
ღ(¸.•´♥~Peace(¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.ღ♥
Misty´s last blog ..Karma Balance
Hang
Nov 10th, 2009
Thank youf for sharing that post with us. You really are amazing! i deeply admire you and what you are standing up for. Keep up the good work Therese. We need more people like you in the world
Amanda
Nov 12th, 2009
Thank you for sharing your shining spirit with us Therese!
I appreciate the love and kindness you GIVE to this world! I think the ability to give of one’s time, gifts, and self is such an admirable quality.
When I was in college, I took a trip to Peru with a group of students and we built a school (out of mud bricks) for a little village that couldn’t afford it. I will never forget how happy those children were and how thankful they were. It is an unforgettable feeling.
I look forward to all of the amazing thoughts you will share with us here on your blog!
Keep Shining,
Amanda
Amanda´s last blog ..SuperQuick Tip Of The Week – Are You Twitterific?
Chuck
Nov 14th, 2009
Top psychologists have studied this and they call it altruistic acts. They found that it makes a big difference in the happiness of the person doing it. It also helps the person receiving it but not as much as the person doing the giving.
Therese Miu Reply:
November 20th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thank You Chuck! I do remember reading that. I think Tony Robbins illustrated it best when he said, “Living is Giving” Thanks for the reminder.
George Fourie
Nov 16th, 2009
@Amanda You’re welcome!
@Chuck thanks for that. I’ll dig into some research for altruistic acts
Kerry Clement
Nov 20th, 2009
It’s funny how God set up the “set-up” here on Earth. Paraphrasing Luke 12:48 “to whom much is given, much is required” would seem to answer why giving is so important. The more you give the more that will be provided for you to give. And thus the cycle continues. Therese, you give in great amounts more than you could possibly know. Your success is assured. Thank you for sharing this message with me and reminding me to share what I have with others. Your site is now one of the favorites I’ll visit daily. Keep sharing your light with the world.
Therese Miu Reply:
November 20th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Thank You Kerry for those kind words. It is people like you that reminds me that GREATNESS exist everywhere.
Keep Shining My friend! And I am truly honored to call you my friend. Blessings
Sandy F Winston
Nov 26th, 2009
Giving is natural to us. We do it everyday but we fail to give ourselves credit for it. We give love, shelter, food, encouragement, laughter, inspiration, art, and more to our family and friends on a regular basis! So give yourselves a high five!
I am also a teacher so I give plenty to the youth in the classroom and beyond as well. This last Monday the Art Club students and I visited a senior citizen center where we spent time with the elderly. We shared the art of origami while also sharing conversations and laughs. The students and the senior citizens both gave and received something unique. As brief as an interaction may be (sometimes it’s a small as a smile) we all come away better people. Everyone had a great time and we are planning to visit again on our next school break.
Another wonderful organization I am involved with is called PeaceJam. A movement founded by two individuals that were able to get numerous Nobel Peace Laureates such as the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Jody Williams, and more involved. Together they have started a youth movement called Global Call to Action. The goal is to create 1 billion acts of peace (focusing on 10 core issues threatening our planet ) in the next 10 yrs. It’s awesome! I took several students to the international conference over a year ago and we have now formed our own PeaceJam group at school. We are currently working on recruiting more interested students so we can formulate our Global Call to Action project. To find out more visit: PeaceJam.org
Giving is living! Even though we ALL give everyday, we can still aim to give more and to give with love. Love is like healthy cells in a body…so we always need more to combat unhealthy cells! Keep giving everyone and don’t forget to GIVE YOURSELF a pat on the back when you do!
Sorry for my long comment! Love ya Therese!