Being Generous

1.WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Generosity is elemental to our humanityacross diverse cultures and beliefs and despite differences throughout historyand the practice of it is universally revered as one of the highest qualities of the human heart. As the word connotes, generosity is not just about giving but about "generating" creating "generative" life-giving opportunities, which may mean hope as well as dignity, a sense of animating purpose as well as opportunity. In the absence of generosityof generative possibilitieswe are left with more and more despair and alienation. We lose civility and community connection when we cease to believe we can generate something better together. Today, living generously, in its fullest sense and practice, seems forgotten if not rare. Why is generosity so rarely included in public discourse? Why does it feel so thin in many relationships? Why is it unfamiliar in many workplaces? Many of our personal, societal, national and global problems stem from deficits in generosity. On the other hand, solutions and possibilities all depend essentially on some surfeit of generosity (in attitude or action) to end gridlocked attitudes. Addressing deeply complex environmental issues, such as those relating to global warming, especially require all of us to embrace some "generosity of change."2.HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM OUR USUAL UNDERSTANDING OF "CHARITY" OR "PHILANTHROPY?" Generosity is not about wanting to do a generous thing but about wanting to become a generous person: having a generous attitude, keeping a generous (open) mind, extending a generous (helping) hand. It is therefore not something we do for others rather it is who we ourselves become. Charity tends to be something that we give to someone out of what is surplus to us. Generosity is when we give what is really needed, even if there is some cost to us. Generosity lives in the practice of a circular model of economics made up of three parts not only giving, but also receiving and circulating. We agree with Bill Clinton that it is possible to change the world through giving and many of us grew up with the adage that: "It is better to give than to receive." This is laudable but only partially true. Too much giving can be as addictive and unproductive as too much receiving. The balance recognizes that generosity operates as a currency, and is mutually enriching on many levels when in circulation. With generosity it is as important to receiveto allow the giver joy in the giving, to be open to what we really need for ourselves, to deepen our sense of gratitude and interconnection.3.WHAT INSIGHTS ABOUT GENEROSITY EMERGE FROM THIS APPROACH? Generosity, like its opposite, which is greed, is contagious. Many people are generous by nature but may be too busy or stressed to practice what would be most fulfilling to them. Generosity has increasingly been reduced to a form of commercial transaction. We give for a tax receipt, or to have our names put in lights on things like hospital wings or university buildings. Expecting a return on our giving tends to become a limitation on the real spirit and possibilities of generosity. Simple, everyday activities such as conversation or commuting are enhanced by generosity. Importantly, so are larger possibilities and responsibilities, such as creativity and community spirit. As helpful as it is to explore its principles and opportunities, only by practicing generosity do we get to actually experience its rewards and understand its chDalla Costa, John is the author of 'Being Generous ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780676978834 and ISBN 0676978835.