Trees were cut to build a walkway so that people could enjoy the woods. Everything has a cost—even the food we eat comes at the expense of the lives of the plants and animals who nourish us. There is no other way to live.
How do you give back in proportion to what you have been given?
In many Native North American traditions, I have seen them give thanks at each meal, to the spirit(s) of each plant and animal who shared something to be a part of that meal. And some even use this method of giving thanks to “the spirit of…” in every aspect of their daily lives. It is an honourable tradition; and – as a pagan shaman – I wish I could say I use this same tradition every day, every time … but, to my shame, I do not. But I keep trying; and I am getting better at remembering to include that acknowledgement of the various spirits involved around whatever I think, say, or do.
I really struggle with this question. I feel like I give nothing back and just take and take. I’m disabled and unable to work, so I live off the money of other people. Volunteer work is also beyond my abilities. I cannot help much around the house, though I do sort the clean laundry and help cook once a week. I used to be active in some online support groups, but then I found them too triggering and draining and so I stopped going.
The belief that I should give back is pretty strong. In fact, I tend to think I should give more than I take. That attitude tends to make me even more sick as I then don’t have good boundaries and overextend myself until I burn out. I’m getting better at saying “no,” which can help my health somewhat. However, not knowing a meaningful way to give back within my abilities really bothers me. While I probably should take care of myself, I don’t want to keep taking without giving anything back.
Martin, do you have a bricks and mortar congregation or another organization you could provide virtual administrative support to? Social media, simple website updates, phone calls or emails to welcome or thank new participants, compose weekly updates for someone else to print, PowerPoints, etc?
I just want to say that I really love and appreciate these Daily Compass posts. As a Zen Buddhist priest/UU, the posts remind me of Zen koans, rich with implication and depth, the questions opening up to our whole lives and the world. So bows and thanks for your daily thoughtfulness.