Generosity is very often linked in our western culture as being the giving of our money, or of our things or our talents to those less fortunate or to those we love. Sometimes we think of generosity as being ‘overly so’, implying manipulation, creating misguided intentions or implications, generating self worth or self promotion or creating an unasked for debt.

I have begun to realize however that it is generosity of spirit that is most of value. Generosity in forgiveness, generosity in compassion and in seeking empathy, generosity in discerning of another’s intentions, generosity of expectations of possibilities in self or in others – this generosity I think garners great wisdom and joy. One might argue it generates being taken advantage of. Yet isn’t even that a gift if given without conditions. And, in itself teaches wisdom.

Generosity. Learning it. Doing it. Demonstrating it. Repeating it. Making it a way of life. Creates joy deep within oneself (the only place true joy can be generated) and, therefore, is capable of sparking joy across the world. Starting in one’s own sphere.

I don’t mean to minimize pain and how it turns one’s focus inward, how difficult pain is and how distracting it is and lingering it can be, particularly emotional pain.

I also don’t mean to minimize what kind of joy I’m talking about – the joy I refer to is the kind that springs deep from the core of a person, that is integral to the fabric and lens of a persons’ being and outlook. Joy as compared to light fun or transient happiness. Joy that frames life’s action and outlook.

When deep joy takes root and grows, one of the fruits is profound generosity. And that generosity grows even deeper joy. A healthful cycle that generates more of itself within the person, and, to all those that person is in contact with.

Like all things worthwhile cultivating generosity is not easy. It is often born out of pain and deprivation and fear. Yet the experience of receiving generosity has the potential for miraculous healing. And so it often begins. And continues. And spreads.