The Gift
“Whatever we have been given is supposed to be given away again, not kept. The only essential is this – the gift must always move.”
Lewis Hyde
We’ve all experienced the commodification of natural resources, from drinking water, to air waves, to the human genome. But, what moves the heart, replenishes the soul and thrills the senses should never become part of the marketplace. We are deeply touched by things that have no price.
Giving without expectation of return begins with the example of nature. What nature gives to us is influenced by what we give back to nature. Give and take, hand in hand, circular and reciprocal. Nature is transcendent commerce. To give without expectation of getting something back, not even good karma or a simple “thank you” is a testament of the depth and breath of our humanity.
Attachment or possessiveness divides the world into me and everyone else. To be non-attached is to understand that we are never separate from nature or each other – the giver and receiver are the same. Lately, I’ve been wondering about my own personal giving history. Am I voluntarily giving emotional, spiritual or material wealth without manipulation? Am I giving in order to receive? Am I giving in order to feel good about myself? In answering these questions I’ve come to understand pure giving is about connection. It begins with giving to one another, to our families, to our community, to the natural world, all that is price-less.
In her Journal of Solitude,, May Sarton wrote, ” There is only one real deprivation I decided this morning, and that is not to be able to give one’s gifts to those one loves the most.”
Just the very best gift reading your blog Sue! We who know you love you so much and what you share is beautiful like yourself! I’ll have to look at the quote again about “Laundry” that one has stayed with me on days when my strength and views on things are week, that it is a day in day out repeat of monotonous chores called daily life! xxoo always!
I’m new to this blog, but enjoying it so much. The photos are dazzling. Not sure what Anne is referring to re a quote about “Laundry,” but further to that subject is a small book, actually a printed lecture, by Kathleen Norris called “The Quotidien Mysteries.” I don’t run into that many people who are familiar with it, but it’s one of my favorites.
I am very pleased you’re new to the blog and enjoying it! Thank you for taking the time to write a comment. My friend, Anne, is referring to a blog post called French Laundry from Dec. 2013. I will look up the Kathleen Norris essay. Thanks for the recommendation. Kindest regards, Sue
Sue, Like each of your posts, your photos and words take us gently and deeply into places and ideas worthy of meditation. In our world of “monetizing” and tit-for-tat, the concept of nature as “transcendent commerce” is truly profound. Thank you for generously sharing your gifts, your insights, your heart.
You are very welcome…it’s humbling to receive comments like yours. Sue
Congratulations on your 70th post, no small feat. Your essays always resonate with my own life. I love how your words offer a new perspective, bring to light cerebral gems I mull over for days, and the joy of beauty in your photos. I am working on the idea of giving without receiving which you so beautifully brought to light. Thank you…