The Energy of Giving

As you can imagine, because of the more spiritual influence in my coaching and mentoring, I'm a big fan of Florence Scovel Shinn. I first came across her writing in early 2017 when I began studying the Energy Alignment Method. Since then I've read several of her books.

One of her biggest shared wisdoms is around the energy of Giving. There is a Universal Law of Giving (and Receiving), which suggests that there is a constant and dynamic exchange of energy. The more we give, the more we receive. And it is in our willingness to give that which we seek, that we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.

Practising the Law of Giving (and Receiving) isn't more simple than this: if you desire love, learn to give love; if you desire attention and appreciation from others, learn to give attention and appreciation to others; if you desire wealth, help others prosper; and if you want to experience more joy in your life, give unto others joy. So often, especially in the online world of doing business, we can get caught up in the financial focus of doing business. Of course we have to be profitable, of course we have to have a sustainable business, but it has to be done with the emphasis first and foremost on serving others and embracing the Ikigai concept.

Giving serves both the individual and the collective, in terms of the ripple or pay it forward effect. For example, when someone lets me in to a queue of traffic, I'm more likely to allow someone else to enter the queue in front of me. If I smile at someone, I'm more likely to receive a smile in return.

Giving doesn’t have to involve your wallet. It can mean giving of your compliments, love, energy, attention, time, interest, care, devotion, interest, thoughts, prayers. Many successful people have given alms or donations long before they were truly wealthy. These include the late Paul Newman, Bill Gates, Ted Turner, Warren Buffet. All have donated not just money, but their time.

Law of Giving and Receiving is very much founded on the Law of Cause and Effect, essentially the concept of karma. What you sow, you reap. However, what needs to be understood is that you may not receive from the same quarters in which you give. But the Law of Giving (and Receiving) is definite and defines a reciprocal or circular path in the broader energy field of the Universe.

The Abundance of Giving

For me, there are three main characteristics of Giving:

1. It’s a vibration – linked to universal energy of love and joy. Therefore, it's a heart-centred energy equating to a self-less act of kindness.
2. It’s a choice – it’s a volition, a deliberate act.
3. It’s expansive – it steps out of lack into abundance energy, and spreads contagiously.

Giving is an abundant gesture. You don’t expect something in return and you don’t care if you don’t get acknowledged for it. However, what it amounts to is a positive signal or vibration into the Universe and a message to the subconscious mind that you are bountiful. When you acknowledge this, you attract more of the same.

It resides in the belief that you always have enough. Giving will never deprive you of what you need. You keep getting more because you keep giving more.

Giving Leads to More Happiness

There is scientific proof showing a correlation in the brain between giving and happiness. One?study?sought to find out if the prospect of giving could make participants happier. Half the group was told they were receiving money that they needed to spend on someone else. The other half was told they were required to spend the money on themselves. Both groups were told to imagine how they were going to spend the money when they received it. After conducting MRI tests and multiple other tests to rule out any other contributing factors,?the researchers determined that generosity improved the level of happiness?in participants, regardless of the recipient or the amount of money.

Seda Gragossian, Ph.D. of?Talk Therapy Psychology Center states "The key benefit of giving is that the individual turns away from their ego and focuses their energy and attention on someone other than themselves. Additionally, the act of giving forces one to focus on the present moment. I believe that’s where the benefits of giving come from."

Thus by focusing on someone else's needs we distract from our own issues and crises. It helps boost our self-worth and self-esteem when we know that we are seeking to make a positive difference to others' lives. When we give to those less fortunate than ourselves we see our life from a more balanced perspective. We begin to appreciate what we have versus those that have less than us. Our problems start to pale in comparison. All in all, giving helps boost morale and lift mood.

This theory holds true whether you are giving money, gifts, or time. It has been proven time and again that volunteering is an effective way to combat depression. Depression is an inward focused mental health condition. Volunteering, as an act of giving, forces the depressed person to shift the attention and concern away from self to the plight of others.

The Health Benefits of Giving

It is widely accepted that giving leads to improved health because it releases endorphins in the body. Endorphins are the body's natural form of pain relief. They also stimulate the immune system by activating white blood cells to protect against disease and infection. In fact, givers report experiencing fewer colds than non-givers. And of course endorphins boost your mood. Similar to "runner's high" associated with the release of endorphins after running, there is also a "giver's high".

Scientist and researcher Elizabeth Dunn has discovered that giving lowers blood pressure naturally, which contributes to decreased chances for strokes and heart disease.?Giving is also known to reduce stress and anxiety and foster greater wellbeing.

7 Steps to Enact the Law of Giving (& Receiving)

1. Daily count your blessings

For then you will know that you have so much to give.

2. Give daily

Rather than giving just on special occasions, find an opportunity to give daily. This doesn't have to be a big affair, just some small gesture of kindness and consideration, such as a compliment, a prayer, a flower or a genuine smile. The recipient doesn't always have to be someone you know. Challenge yourself to make a stranger's day that little bit better - help them find a shopping trolley or let someone go ahead of you in the queue. Always have an intention in your heart to foster and bring love and peace to the world.

3. Give freely

Only when you give freely is there a multiplier effect. When we give grudgingly or give from a place that feels limiting, then the gift is not truly given. Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given freely. The monetary value of the gift doesn’t matter; it is the intention behind your giving and receiving that is the most important thing.

4. Receive gratefully

In receiving with a smile of gratitude we acknowledge the giver and give them pleasure. If we did not, we would cause offence or make the other person feel sad, disappointed or rejected. Receive gratefully of everything: not just gifts, kind gestures and compliments of others, but of all of nature's gifts (the sun, moon, plants, animals, etc.).

5. Don't sweat the small stuff

When giving, don’t get too wrapped up in your own needs and wants. Focus on others' needs. The shift in focus will help put your own problems in perspective.

6. Replenish your well

The Law of Giving (and Receiving) is presupposes that we have something to give. Therefore, we need to look to self-care and self-love. Give yourself the gifts of adequate and restful sleep, a balanced and healthy diet, regular exercise, time to "play" and be creative. Feed not just your body, but also nourish your mind and spirit: read or listen to inspirational books/stories, listen to beautiful music, and turn to meditation and prayer. Always believe and trust that you will have more than you need.

7. Be fully present

Learn to be fully present in the moment. We are most giving and attentive when we do not multi-task. Give the other person your most undivided attention. compassion and love - always!

Coming Soon....

Let me know if you've enjoyed reading this article and please do share the love and consideration by sharing this article.

Also, I'd like to let you know that I shall be running a free online workshop in just over 2 weeks' time, on Tuesday, 25th October at 12.30pm BST. I'll be looking at monetary abundance: what's impeding the flow of money in your life and how to manifest money more quickly. Sign up here: https://www.energy-transformations.com/magnetise-your-money-flow.