Empowerment Through Giving

Student: Master, I feel discouraged.
Zen Master: Ok. Give someone encouragement.

This small interaction between a student seeking guidance and a Zen Master holds invaluable depth and significance. Do you remember having shared words of encouragement with someone in distress, a loved one perhaps, only to find that you, too, gained insight or solace from your own words?

When we give, we create an energy space of that which we are giving. Hence, we are the first recipients to experience the impact of that energy. If we share animosity, we absorb its effects first. Conversely, when we extend love and respect to another being, that energy permeates us, benefiting us before it reaches the receiver. This immediate effect is just the beginning; the energy we radiate ultimately returns to us, amplifying our experiences.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

The Buddha

This principle holds true for both positive and negative energies. When we harbour anger, we are its initial victim.

When we are speaking words that are kind and empowering, those words are also listened to by the consciousness that is speaking. It becomes a source of nourishment for itself. These words reinforce and strengthen our neural connections, permeating us with similar empowering energy, benefiting both the speaker and the listener; the giver and the receiver.

Giving enriches our lives in numerous ways:

• Sense of purpose: When we extend love, kindness, and respect to others, we instill a sense of purpose and fulfillment within ourselves.
• Improving our Energy space: Our energy is our most invaluable asset, shaping our destiny and quality of life.
• Nurturing Empathy: Sharing with others deepens our empathy, fostering a sense of humility and equality.
• Improved Quality of Relationships: The energy space we create through giving provides a safe and nurturing environment for those around us, enriching the quality of our relationships.
• Improvement in Our Own Self-esteem: The act of giving fills us with a sense of abundance, prosperity, and contentment, boosting our self-esteem.

I once found myself overwhelmed, burnt out and a little low on energy. That day, a friend messaged me in distress. Instinctively, I replied with words of encouragement. As I reread my own words, I felt a strange sense of clarity and calm. I realised I was speaking to both of us. That moment taught me that giving isn’t just selfless— giving is receiving, in that very moment.

The art of giving is a profound practice that empowers not only those we share with but also ourselves.