A Generous Spirit

You can't cure a depression or a feeling of worthlessness by giving all your money away; but if you can cultivate a true generosity of spirit you can't be depressed. I can't count the number of times I've seen it in my group: a member reaches out to someone in great pain. Maybe they tell some of their own story, to show they understand, or maybe they just express their sympathy and support. Often it's the tone as much as the words-somehow an emotional connection is established with someone who is feeling ashamed, alone, and afraid. You can feel the electricity in the air.

The sufferer is comforted, but the person who took a risk and reached out is enriched. She's learned, or reaffirmed, that she herself, just by virtue of being herself, has something valuable to share with others. There are probably people close to you who could benefit if you make an unselfish gift of your love, attention, time, respect; whatever it is they need, you have the power to give it. If there's no one like that close to you now, there are opportunities to volunteer in your community.

Charity is big business now. We have United Ways and community trusts and arts councils that vouch for the worthiness of their causes; but you can't get much good feeling about yourself just by writing a check. I think, if you're going to donate money, you ought to get something out of it too. Get to know the people in your charity, get a taste of the problems they're trying to solve, get to feel what it's like to reach out and care.