You Are A Contributor

We are consumers by every breath that we take in and We are contributors by every breath we release out. We consume all the basic necessities of life and luxuries that are available. We consume love and attention, through other people in our relationships. We also consume the gifts of nature (beauty, elegance, wonder, magic). In order for us to consume, the entire universe has to work for us. Universe organizes everything for our consumption. We are also gifted with five senses and mind to consume and have enriching experiences of life. If you take a moment to reflect, you will be surprised to see how much we consume and how the universe orchestrates everything for us.

Whether you are aware or not, through your thoughts, choices, speech and action you are also contributing back to the universe. Imagine what kind of world you can create, if you are consciously contributing through your choices and actions. We are not born here to live for few years and drag our life until death. We are born here to participate in life and co-create along with universe. However many of us spend our time either struggling for survival - fulfilling basic needs or we are ambitious seeking approval, power and security.

Our contribution does not have to be in the form of money or material things. Although giving money and material things would surely help the needy. We can contribute by spending time, to listen to others in our relationships wholeheartedly. We can be aware of how our choices and actions can have an impact on others and make choices that are harmonious. One of the spiritual practices in yoga tradition is to master your speech (Vak Tapas). We can cause lot of hurt and pain to others through our speech intentionally or unintentionally. We can use our speech to heal others through our words and conversations. Instead of being critical, judgmental and pulling others down, we can be appreciative of others. We can encourage, support, inspire others through our speech. We are also gifted with unique talents. We can use those talents to contribute back to the world.

We don't have to be a Bill gates or Warren Buffet to contribute. Even if you are a home maker, you can support your spouse or your children's through your conscious choices and actions. There have been many people who have contributed to my life along the way; not through their money, but just through their presence in my life. My teachers at school, professors at college, friends, relatives, co-workers, community members, spiritual masters and book authors all have helped me in some ways to open my eyes, so I can enjoy the beauty of life.

Conscious contribution opens your heart, brings more joy, happiness. When you start giving you can experience a sense of freedom. Keep circulating the energy of love and appreciation, through your giving and receiving. All that is needed is to be alert, aware and mindful. We can make a difference in this world through our presence.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

1. APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERIENCES, but don’t try to own them.
2. Avoid thinking of the paths as “my” paths.
3. Let things come and go without attachment.
4. Don’t pretend to be more positive than you actually feel.
5. Don’t exaggerate your experiences, to yourself or others.
6. Don’t allow your experiences to set you apart from or above anyone else.
7. Don’t be tempted to think you are a saint.