One of the first qualities l ever learn’t over two decades ago on starting my spiritual and yoga journey was the practice of Seva, which is the Hindu concept of selfless service that is performed without any expectation of reward for performing it. A concept that l fear is sometimes lost in our overstimulated and busy world. Seva is similar in part to the Buddhist principle of dana, meaning something like “giving,” “offering,” and “generosity.” It is a practice of connection of a coming together, cultivating empathy as well as respect.
I see more clearly the importance of taking time to be, be and listen to others from my work in the community. Two days a week l serve as a domiciliary eye health care practitioner, helping those with their vision. Sometimes not too old but very ill to those who are in their 90’s and still going strong. However, one of the most common things l hear is the loneliness, the cut off from society, from friends and family. In some cases l am the only person that they can have a chat with all week. Whilst it is not well paid financially, it rewards are emotional for me helping others who really need it. Experiences that also jot me sometimes to my core to remind how grateful l am for my body and life.
In our busy and overstimulated world (the saboteurs) for seva and dana. We can often find ourselves lacking the ability to pause, catch our breath and practice gratitude. All of which can prevent us from seeing where we are and more importantly what we can offer in every moment to ourselves and others. Therefore, having some helpful prompts can help you stay safe protect your energy and emotional intelligence.
A guiding reminder in terms of who we connect and give to and from can be found from one of the verses from the Bhaja Govindam by Shanaracarya.
sat-sangatve nissangatvam
nissangatve nirmohatvam
nirmohatve nishcala-tattvam
nishcala-tattve jivanmuktih
bhaja govindam, bhaja govindam
bhaja govindam mudha-mate
Good and virtuous company gives rise to non-attachment. From non-attachment comes freedom from delusion. With freedom from delusion, one feels the changeless reality. Experiencing the changeless reality, one attains liberation in this life. I-AM is the ocean of awareness. Realizing this, one feels “I am not the body and mind, although I have a body and mind.” Realize Govinda, realize Govinda, realize Govinda in your heart, O wise one!
From carpata-panjanka by Shri Sankaracharya. Translation by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
Prompts for Enquiry
Walking this path of of generosity, gratitude and service can be a tricky one due in part to our experiences. Our memories of events and what we witnessed as a child all impact our perception and equally our understanding.
Giving can be a enjoyable and mutually beneficial for both the giver and receiver. However, it can also be abused. Therefore, l’ve included a few helpful prompts to help you review and give mindfully:
How do you perceive generosity, gratitude and service?
How much is enough?
How much is too little?
How can/ do you preserve your ability to give?
Is there equal give and take in your relationships?
One way to stay nourished while giving in any way is to check-in with and maybe review your boundaries, with yourself, others and your commitments.
REMEMBER
STOP TAKE A BREATH, PAUSE, REST WHEN YOU NEED WITH NO APOLOGIES.
Review your boundaries with yourself, others and your commitments to nourish your reality.
YOU’LL BE OK, YOU’VE GOT THIS.
Reverberating the essence of this piece a beautiful recommendation came across my Utube feed this morning which l’ve included below. This short interview really resonated with how l’ve been feeling of late.
The PATH
Over the last few months staying close to the unfolding truth of who l am has become more important in the growing noise and the stimulation of our world. Alert and walking hand in hand also with the changes deep within as well as the challenges life throws our way sometimes. I felt l need to change things yet again but in observing all of this, came a call for patience and understanding in the ever changing worlds of my interior and exterior landscape. Mainly recognising that simplifying, morphing and staying flexible have become more important to master in order to navigate these changing tides more peacefully. But how difficult when we’ve all become so ingrained into unhealthy habits, behaviours, and thinking with fear and anxiety.
STOP TAKE A BREATH, PAUSE, REST WHEN YOU NEED WITH NO APOLOGIES. YOU’LL BE OK, YOU’VE GOT THIS.
One great aspect to writing and connecting on Substack has been witnessing how many others have similar issues and equally interests. Showing how connection and empathy can give us the fortitude we need to accept, surrender and ultimately find the peace and joy that we all deserve. Hopefully inspiring others along the path.
Therefore, to walk this path of Generosity, Gratitude and Service, l have now changed how l offer Nourishing Reality with Salema. My wish and intention is to simply encourage a more affordable way to hold the space for connection, sharing, supporting and creating with each other, whilst at the same time supporting my energy, creativity and livelihood.
My general vibe and ethos since starting this Substack has always been based around the Hindu principle of Sevā . So currently everything I write, post and record here is freely offered for both paid and free subscribers, there are no paywalls here and everyone is welcome to comment on my posts.
However, of course if you feel drawn to express your appreciation for those writings and support my livelihood in a material way, your paid subscription or a one off donation is greatly appreciated.
Some of my posts moving forward will also have a “Donate” button like the one below where you can give a one-time donation if you’re not able to do a continuous paid subscription.
Moving Forward
Paid subscribers and Founding members will get access to monthly live circles (normally the last Sunday in every month) an online gathering portal to hold the space for connection, exploration, sharing, supporting and creating with each other.
A new addition for founding members you will receive a 1:1 lifestyle guidance and encouragement session of 30 minutes with me.
Current subscriptions
£4 a month
£39/ year (£3.25/month)
£90 / a year Founding Member
FM Includes a complimentary guidance and encouragement session of 30 mins
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