Here is a wonderful practice that will teach you a lot about yourself and the nature of service or helping others. Most of what is done, the actions taken, gifts given, help offered, ideas shared – have strings attached. These strings come in many shapes, sizes and forms – expectations, demands, requirements, equal exchange, owe something, obligation. For example, Mary gives Susan a gift and is disappointed because she did not get a big enough appreciation. Susan gives a genuine thank-you, but not enough energy was exchanged to satisfy Mary’s strings of attachment.

1) Offering your Ideas. Just like gifts, most ideas are offered with attachments. For example, when you debate, argue, conflict, or attempt influence, you are in some manner pushing your ideas. When you feel your idea is better than someone else’s idea, or you want to win a conversation you are pushing. Offering ideas means sharing your ideas and passion without attachment for others to consider. Offering is a simple movement without attached strings. It is a position of openness - mind, heart, body, and spirit.

Begin by developing a clear picture or feeling about the nature of the offering. My mind is open that my offering is not the only way or solution. My heart is open and sharing – expecting nothing in return. My body is relaxed, centered and grounded with open arms and open palms. My spirit breathes deeply, in a slow expansive pulse. I feel connected. When I am offering it floats away from me to the other person or the group of people. Sounds simple – even with practice you might notice disappointment at the lack of acknowledgment, agreement, curiosity, questions asked, recognition of hard work.

2) Offering Help. Here are some suggestions to consider. When you wish to help someone notice what the invitation is from the person or group – do they want to problem solve, be listened to, be encouraged, think out loud? Always seek to bring forward the other person or group’s wisdom before adding in your own. There is always some wisdom surrounding a person or group and it is a wonderful sign of respect to draw this out.

3) Offering and Passion. For those seeking an advanced form of practice it is offering with passion. I have passion, commitment and belief in my ideas and I do not hold it too tightly. I can learn to offer with passion to others and not overwhelm or argue. The key is not holding too tightly. Often passion leads to holding tightly – "This becomes so important to me." This does not have to be the case. Let your passion flow with offering and do not be attached to an outcome. Seek agreement around the qualities you wish to achieve and do not be attached to a form, for qualities can express themselves in a variety of ways. Your might share your ideas with passion and be equally interested in others ideas or make sure the space is open to explore your ideas.
-Received Sept 29, 2912

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