How to make a difference

[simon777]

People makes differences what ever they do. It might be worth having some meditation time to find out why you want to make a difference. If you use your will to change a natural flow what do you think the reason is behind that?

Ego can sometimes make us think we have to do something for the sake of people seeing us do things.
The core of us when left to its own devices will just do what is needed or go where we are needed.
There is nothing wrong with either way but its probably helpful to your journey to entertain which path you are taking and for what reasons.

Nice people have taken lots of great paths which help them grow. It never matters if its ego or core if we are aware of its reason in the first place.

[Jyotir]

Transform yourself first.
Then you can think about changing the world.

This will often be seen as too idealistic,
and yet it is really the most practical approach.

Of note regarding this approach is that when the former is undertaken, the latter becomes increasingly inspired, enabled, and guided by Spirit.


~ J

[ocean breeze]

Originally Posted by Jyotir

[indent][color="Navy"]Transform yourself first.
Then you can think about changing the world.

Some words of wisdom from the great philosopher Michael Jackson, "If you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make that change." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

[Shivani Devi]

Originally Posted by Jyotir

Transform yourself first.
Then you can think about changing the world.

This will often be seen as too idealistic,
and yet it is really the most practical approach.

Of note regarding this approach is that when the former is undertaken, the latter becomes increasingly inspired, enabled, and guided by Spirit.


~ J

QFE.

I also agree with Maya El and Slayer.

When people actually try to make a difference, it only reinforces the "sameness" unless they are in a position TO make a difference, and then they don't even have to try..or do anything really.

"Practicality vs Idealism" is the struggle existing within the foundation and application of any human endeavour, including spirituality and the pragmatist will always be at odds with the idealist.

Give a human being any concept and they will create a duality and a side of the fence to sit on regarding it, so they can have a justification for their position.

The onus is to work on oneself first...not to comply with any "spiritual ideals" but to develop a "Spiritual presence" which can change the world through its own existence.

Maybe all we are meant to do is give a compliment, perform a random act of kindness and this may generate the "knock on" or "wave" effect...then you will wonder if you have 'done enough'...but that only matters to one who doesn't believe they already ARE enough...either with or without being the "change they wish to see in the world".

[zastrakoza]

Wow! Lot's of helpful comments here. Thank you! I especially appreciate those who said they tried to help and found out it wasn't really helping. That is definitely one of my deterrents.

I am in a unique position and I realize how fortunate I am to have the resources to make a difference. It is a gift and a responsibility. I agree that one can only truly give through fulfillment and overflowing of oneself. I have more than I need for just myself, and I am not just referring to money. But inaction is not applying the resources responsibly. We have to start somewhere.

I continue to review your comments and search my soul for the appropriate dispensation.

Z

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by zastrakoza

I am in a unique position.....
Z

Yes. Let's start with what you're seeing as a need where you are.
And do you have a passion for families, single homeless men, the children ---
food, clothing needs, dental hygiene, maybe glasses - a surprising need for those.

All of the above?
Cold children in the Winter here are more my passion -poor little things.
Sometimes you can find, like I did, an amazing organization that deals directly with needy families.

You can find out personal needs - maybe kids that have never seen a dentist - pay for that, or don't have
brand new sneakers all their own , not from a Thrift Store -the org. will know sizes and things of that nature.
These kids often never had a new coat with a new tag on it, see....Wow,
the joy for them!
Rather than start an org ---get on the Board of one you like.
Maybe from that position you could work with people in La Jolla for donations...making a bigger impact overall.

Originally Posted by zastrakoza

Hey Guys,

I am brainstorming ideas on what I can do to make a difference in my community. I live in San Diego, a beautiful city in California. We have the usual problems that any city has: crime, homelessness, limited housing, etc.

I'm thinking of volunteering or starting a non-profit. What are your thoughts, ideas, and priorities? Maybe you can inspire me.

Z

zastrakoza,

Baby steps....:) I have a favorite quote from Lao Tzu....."Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage". Can you examine your life and say that you have been deeply loved ? Hopefully from God ? Use that strength you have received to love someone. One can start by looking a beggar or a homeless person in the eye and speaking to them....even if it is a simple greeting. If they can feel loved that will give them strength....you have started the process of empowering such. This loving someone else gives you courage....and courage is manifested in action. And once done it will encourage you to take additional 'baby steps'. If you plant a seed it will grow....:)

[PsychicPower]

Be the best version of yourself.

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by zastrakoza

Hey Guys,

I am brainstorming ideas on what I can do to make a difference in my community. I live in San Diego, a beautiful city in California. We have the usual problems that any city has: crime, homelessness, limited housing, etc.

I'm thinking of volunteering or starting a non-profit. What are your thoughts, ideas, and priorities? Maybe you can inspire me.

Z

Some thumb rules for great work (besides the great advices of fellow board members ) .
1. Keep God and His rules in view while doing so instead of community . That can let u gain more satisfaction / bliss out of life.
2. Continuity and perseverance is key . Charity as knee jerk re-action does not help much .
3. While keeping community work in goal , do not loose or undermine the importance and value of spirituality .
4. Be very alert not to get cheated and yet if got cheated , have firm faith in the ways and rules of God and persists in this activity oriented worship of God .