Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai--The Magic of Generosity (Ep. 017)

Generosity goes both ways. Aloha aku, aloha mai. Give love, receive love. As you receive, so must you give. Giving, helping, sharing...these are just some of the many facets of generosity. Health care workers, caregivers, teachers, employees in the service industry, parents, and all those who play roles of providing service to others--of their knowledge, energy, skills, labor, heart, spirit--are always in the giving end. They are our heroes, often remaining unsung. The smallest act of giving from their end can mean the difference of an entire lifetime for the recipient. We can sometimes forget that they are also human, and their needs have to be replenished and their generosity reciprocated. Most of the time, they will never ask for anything from others--you will never hear them request for anything. If you are the generous giver, this practice is for you. If you are on the receiving end of generosity, this practice is also for you. We all need to find the proper balance of giving and receiving. Nothing is ever for free, and we must not be complacent in always taking. As givers, we should be courageous in asking for what we need. There is never any shame in asking for what we need. Generosity goes both ways. Aloha aku, aloha mai. Give love, receive love. As you receive, so must you give. Breathe in a Breath of Aloha often, and breathe out generosity and loving-kindness...always.