Benefactor Practice

There is a joyful simplicity to waking up in the morning and having nowhere to go and nothing to do. That has rarely been the case in my life, but, thanks to the Covid isolations, I am able to experience it now (at least on the weekends). Now, I recognize that many of you would prefer to return to having something to do or somewhere to go, and I hope that happens for you soon.

For me, I could go either way. I am enjoying the quiet times at home more and more. I am finding time to read books again (not just books about meditation) and our yard has never looked better. Yet, I am missing the personal contact with my children, my granddaughter, my friends, and the regular family parties, where we can catch up on each other’s lives. This is such an important part of life as social animals.

One practice that keeps me connected during these times is the practice of connecting with a caring moment or connecting with the benefactors in my life. I have been doing this practice for a while and my field of caring benefactors is large and easily accessed. I can envision my benefactors with me during the day and feel the warmth of the loving support they provide whenever I need it.

Actively exploring the benefactor relationships and the many caring moments from all the times in our life can be a very supportive practice.

You could even start a “Benefactor Calendar,” where each day you would reflect back in your life, recalling moments when someone cared for you (or where you were caring for someone else) or supported you in some way. Write the name that came to mind on today’s date on your calendar. At the end of the year, you will be amazed at the field of care represented by that calendar.