If you’ve decided to travel a path of yoking and uniting, you serve yourself best by knowing the Ancient Secrets for Giving Without Burnout. Like all things, giving is an action, a lesson, and a sacred process. It’s okay to recognize a few hangups because that’s what we’re doing, right? Looking at life through new lenses of truth in practice takes growth and application before taking the lead. Maybe you love the warm glow that comes from giving, but you hold back because you think others will walk all over you or that you’ll wind up feeling overwhelmed. Well, cool; it turns out that ancient Buddhist teachings and modern psychology agree on the solution for that.
There are Ancient Secrets for Giving Without Burnout
Buddhism describes 3 distinct models of giving.
1. A shepherd devotes himself to his flock and forgets about himself.
2. A boat captain carries everyone to their destination together.
3. A king gathers his wealth and power before taking care of his subjects.
Who Do you Model after?
Right now, discern which of these models is you by default. Then, make a conscious choice to cultivate the model that serves you best. If you guessed that the king has the only sustainable model here, you’re right. You need to take care of your own welfare to be able to serve others. Remember, there is always some way to offer of yourself that is not at the expense of your health, stability, or abundance. Knowing your intention is important. In the words of Tosha Silver, “Offering Equals Surrendering…you simply cannot fully offer without surrender.” Giving is a demonstrative lesson of the Yamas and Niyamas; we learn to live and give in balance. In psych, we say, “take care of yourself first”. In yoga, we say, “treat yourself with kindness”. Each path leads to a junction of learning how to take care of yourself and others in the best and most sustainable way possible. Yogi Bhajan said, “The attitude of gratitude is the highest yoga“. Within that, we discover the clear difference between wants and needs through the lens of truth and thankfulness.
Try these tips for practicing generosity without burning out or becoming a doormat:
Giving Without Feeling Like a Doormat
First, ask yourself, “Am I giving for gain, exchange, or in a true philanthropic spirit?“
There is nothing wrong with any of these reasons. However, it would be best if you were clear on the true spirit of your giving so that you can communicate your intentions and expectations (or lack thereof) on a transparent and authentic soul-level. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and give more fully of yourself in the whole light of truth.
1. Take care of yourself.
Any successful caregiver knows they have to attend to their own needs and those they are trying to help. If you sacrifice your strength, you’ll have little joy and few resources to share with others.
2. Screen carefully.
Some dinner guests will invite you over to their house for the next meal, and some will ask you to pack up the leftovers so they can take them home with them. Give to those who appreciate your generosity, and ask for what you need in return.
3. Establish priorities.
You may receive more worthy requests than you can handle. Decide what’s most important to you, whether it’s your immediate family or global poverty.
4. Ask for help.
Giving is a two-way street. We empower each other by taking turns and providing support.
5. Create value.
How do you negotiate when you and the other party want the same thing? Creative thinking can reveal new options that satisfy both of you. Split the last piece of pie and serve it with cheese for two full desserts.
6. Make your own choices.
Giving is rewarding when it’s voluntary and meaningful. Decide how and what you most want to offer in love, rather than to give in to pressure or guilt.
Giving Without Experiencing Burnout
In contrast, feeling like a doormat may not be your hurdle, but burnout is your constant companion instead. Perhaps, you give so much, so freely, and so often that you lose sight of the original intentions to grace the macrocosm from your microcosm. Both must grow in synergistic balance.
1. Focus on impact.
It’s easier to stay motivated when you can see that your giving is making a difference. Participate in activities that provide quick and measurable results.
2. Enjoy the variety of rewards.
On the other hand, many worthwhile endeavors take time to bear fruit. Take the time that it takes to sit in and soak up the experience. Embrace and embody the experience of the exchange. Incorporate strategies to encourage you to hang in there with joy. If it’s going to take all spring to clean up the local park, listen to your favorite music while you work, appreciate nature, or connect with other volunteers.
3. Budget your time.
Give more in less time by organizing your schedule efficiently. Designate quiet blocks of time when you can concentrate on your own work while setting aside other hours for volunteering in your community or assisting your colleagues. Overwhelm is most common when we feel like the facets of the larger picture (the tangible points of our lives) aren’t being served and serviced as well. *Self-check: experiencing burnout is an opportunity to ask yourself, “Am I trying to do too much?” Decide what is necessary and realistic; let everything else go.
4. Encourage a giving culture.
Encouraging others to give lightens your load and gives your friends a chance to experience more happiness. Share the experience. Let others know about your good deeds so they can join you. When everyone pitches in to give a little, we’re all a lot better off.
5. Leverage your strengths.
Draw on your unique talents and abilities. Others will welcome your valuable contributions, and you’ll enjoy the process more. If you have trouble carrying a tune, let someone else sing Christmas carols at the senior center. You can wow them with your homemade desserts.
6. Start small.
Giving takes practice. Pick a few areas where you’re comfortable sharing your time, expertise, and resources. You’ll gradually find your own style, and generosity will become a habit.
Observe, Reflect, Practice, Repeat
Using these ancient secrets for giving without burnout is totally accessible to you. It’s better to give than receive when you can temper your generosity with wisdom. Quit Stealing from yourself. Skillful giving invigorates you rather than draining your energy. In time, adhering to this sage advice manifest more riches for you to give away, and the wealthier you’ll become. At the end of the day, giving is the greatest offer of gratitude. Be a king!