What’s the difference between giving and contribution? Are contribution and abundance related? What does the act of giving have to do with creativity?

It’s that time of year again! Fresh off of a four day weekend dedicated to gratitude, we find ourselves in the throes of the giving season. Today is what’s now known as Cyber-Monday, tomorrow is called Giving Tuesday, both falling under the umbrella of Black Friday, which seems to stretch from Halloween to Christmas.

Giving is simple. You can give a child a glass of water. You can give a speech or a presentation. You could give your boss a hard time. It’s the act of transferring some physical article or energetic phenomenon from you to another person.

It’s often personal, there’s a relational quality to it, and in some cases there are strings attached. When we feel the need to give someone a present, we find ourselves asking the question “What do you get for the person who has everything?”

For some folks, it’s simple. Makers for instance. Let’s say you are a prolific artisan of some sort — hand-cut wooden jigsaw puzzles, perhaps? Chances are that folks receiving gifts from you may be receiving some of your work.

Perhaps your intended recipient is swimming in stuff. For the person who already has too much of everything, experiences can be a good bet. Concert or theater tickets can provide a cultural milestone in a loved one’s life. Or perhaps a class or workshop they might not buy for themselves.

Contribution is a somewhat different kettle of fish. Sometimes it’s personal, sometimes it’s anything but.

You could chip in on a GoFundMe for a good cause. You could offer your expertise to someone online or help a stranger park their car. You could even have a new wing of a museum named after you if you have the resources.

It’s never a zero sum game. Just because you’re able to contribute in some way doesn’t mean there’s less for you. Sometimes it’s about the nonlinear benefits of a public good.

You derive great pleasure from a community supported radio station like KEXP or KPFA. You know that supporting a nonprofit art school means that future generations will be able to appreciate great work. You help some deserving folks in need improve their lot in life.

Contribution has a lot in common with creativity — once you know how to turn on the tap it never stops flowing. You can’t be attached to something you will never run out of.

It’s like putting pennies of karma into the cosmic favor bank. You never know when you’re going to be the one who needs a favor. When it’s your turn, you want the universe to be ready.

Listening to NPR as I came home to finish writing this today, they were talking with a man who discovered a unique way to contribute after he retired. He hangs out like a guide at Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts, and asks people where they are from.

Then he proceeds to blow their minds by singing the most classic or well-known song from their country in their home language. So far, he’s mastered the musical signatures of 46 different countries. He says that “Our greatest joy comes from giving joy to others.”

With that, I leave you with much love many blessing till next Monday!

Merci et à bientôt!

M+

ML #656

Mark Metz
Monday Love Movement Calendar