Giving in Tough Economic Times

In today's current economic climate, many people feel they can no longer offer the charitable contributions they did previously. When asked to donate money to an organization, these people say, "no," believing they need to keep ever last dollar in case they need it themselves. In fact, they may see themselves as "charity cases" in need of donations rather than in a place to offer charitable donations to others in need. When they see a person begging for money on the street they may not reach into their pocket for a dollar or even spare change, thinking instead it might be them on that corner the next week. Indeed, the mentality of "There but for the grace of God go I" seems prevalent when it comes to money these days.

However, it's this type of consciousness - a lack consciousness - that causes more lack. When we focus upon not having enough, inevitably we have less and less. The fear that we might become poor or lose even more money than we have already, just makes us all the more fearful, and that also causes us to feel and create more lack in our lives.

Only in our focus on having enough do we open ourselves to receiving more of whatever we need -- money, love, companionship, attention, or joy. And only in giving do we open ourselves to receiving. Indeed, by giving we tap into the flow that includes receiving, for they exist on the same spectrum.

Additionally, many ways to give exist in addition to sharing financially. And when you give in any manner, you increase your prosperity consciousness and your sense of having more than enough yourself. This helps you open yourself to receiving more, and it allows you to give to others in a multitude of ways.

So, consider giving in these small ways, even if you can't give in large ways:

1. Give your "spare" change. Never spend your change on yourself; instead give this money away. A friend told me his father believed all his spare coins were meant to be tzeddakah, or for charity.

2. Offer a smile or a word of encouragement to someone every day. Sometimes this means so much more than money. And it makes both you and the recipient feel better.

3. Remember that you likely have more than someone else, so give a little more than you think you can. Instead of simply saying you can't "afford" to give, acknowledge that you do have money in the bank or in your pocket, and share with someone who has none.

4. Don't question why someone needs money. If they ask, simply give. Even if all you give is 10 cents, give something.

5. Give away the old things you don't need. Your discards may be someone else's treasure.

6. Give of your time. That may be more valuable than any money.

7. Give of yourself. That's a true gift and will go further and last longer than anything else you can offer. If you really want to make a difference, give of yourself.