Why Is Generosity So Difficult?

Generosity is something we all want and often struggle with.
Why is that?
Ambivalence About Generosity
We tend to respond to generosity with warmth, happiness and joy. We also naturally respond to stinginess with repulsion, hurt and fear. Of course negative experiences can cause us to have more complicated feelings.
Generosity is loaded with ideas about power, what it means to be a good person, our survival needs, or needs to be respected and valued. It is an important factor in issues of discrimination and injustice.
There is a lot of effort put into getting people to be generous. Advertising is a way to get us to be generous with our wallets, which are filled by our hours of work. A lot of social media is about parading images of abundance and happiness – a demonstration of our worth through what we have in our lives. These presentations of generosity create conflicted feelings and are primarily materialistic.
Because so many of our needs have been met through automation – at least pre-COVID-19 – the greatest emphasis has been placed on developing our personalities as a way to be eligible to receive in this world. Since we need to function in this world and with each other, we develop the coping strategies that will make us attractive. One such strategy that is culturally supported is the positivity movement which encourages positive thinking as a way to be in the world. Being positive is a good thing unless it means we give up being grounded. Being grounded is easier said than done in an ungrounded cultural system that is creating ecological havoc.
To many, positivity has come to be perceived as a way of not being real and perhaps more importantly disconnected from reality. The demand for constant positives and perpetual pleasure is unrealistic, unnatural and demands too much of people and nature.
We all need supportive connection and like pleasure and joy. As a result we many reject unpleasant experiences as simply negativity which may not be the truth. We can lose a lot in the process.
We all like to feel good. We all also know the feeling of pleasure we get from being generous. It is the best part of the holiday seasons that we celebrate each year. Yet if one person gives more than another or has more than another, that largesse may feel uncomfortable.
Noticing Our Vulnerability
Unfortunately, materialism is so promoted that it can cause us to feel lack. Not having something is fine but in a competitive world, perceived lack can have consequences affecting employment and other opportunities. Sensitive people know this well. Perceptions of lack can remind us of our vulnerability.
We are especially affected by our relationships but our longing for connection can be thwarted in many ways:
- rejection can cause us to pull back from others
- our competitive society which thrives on comparisons may be a factor in our feelings of being vulnerable with others
- we may react to macho values of stoicism and be embarrassed by our vulnerability
- we may see vulnerability as a weakness and be treated that way by others.
If we have experienced any shaming in our early years we may be uncomfortable with generosity.
Generosity And Nature
One of the wonderful things about nature is that its existence is an act of generosity towards us that rewards us over and over just by being in it. One of the best parts of life for many people is being in nature or with animals in nature or as pets. It is one place where our generosity can express itself with little interference from intrusive thoughts about power, injustice and exploitation.
With animals in particular we are able to feel our kindred relationship with another species and have it be a warm and nurturing experience. Their generosity often comes naturally. With humans not so much.
Why Generosity Is So Important
Without the ability to be generous we are not truly free. We are shut down, and our energy is turned into ourselves in a way that is painful. It is really important that we find a way to enter our generosity in a constructive way so that we can experience the connection and joy that we yearn for.
I personally think that to increase the generosity and joy in our lives we need to go slowly and look for ways to safely increase our positive experiences of generosity and positive social connection. It helps to take baby steps and even write in a journal about our experiences. It is important in creating connection to be mindful of the vulnerability of others and seek ways to help others have less fear around connection.
Generosity is the expression of our own natural goodness and gratitude for what we have. The more we express it the better our lives can become. Hopefully, our pandemic has opened the door to a reconsideration of the importance and value of generosity as a personal quality separate from materialism and status so that we can find our way to a kinder and more generous form of human community.
Great topic, thanks Maria. I recently was made aware of a dynamic around two forms of giving.
One is deficit-based, i.e. responding and giving out of lack. That creates stress and its form of giving can be considered “sacrifice”.
The second is abundance-based, i.e. responding and giving out of plenty and in willingness. That creates wellness in the giver as well as in the recipient and its form is “generosity”.
Of course the second form is a win-win rather than a lose-win dynamic. It reminds me of the principle for first responders (such as life guards or paramedics) to not endanger a second person when wanting to help a first person. This prevents two people being endangered or even dying when one is in trouble.
I believe that win-win–in other words both/and replacing either/or–is an energy on the rise currently in the world.
Heron
Heron Saline, CHT CMT
http://www.guidedmindtour.com
415/706-9740
Thanks, Heron,
What a great insight! I agree with you the energy of the world is changing. I get the feeling that people have had enough of competition and being at each other’s throats for one reason or another. It is heartwarming to see.
All the best,
Maria
Thanks for the comment. HSPs have a different outlook on content. Because they dislike manipulation the titles are deliberately as non-manipulative as possible.
Maria
Absolutely…! Although the point this reader is making is very valid, your response is exactly what I was about to say to it (so much for HSP concurrence).
Yet, for most of the people around us (read non-HSPs) have this grouse about HSPs and anything related to HSP.
Hi Maria
I want to thank-you, for all you do on this website & I can feel your authentic generosity.
You let us see you… and allow your vulnerability to come through on these pages.
Personally, I am less interested in how they appear, and more interested in the content of the words. As usual, your post comes in good timing. I sat this morning creating a space for gratitiude… while looking at a picture of myself and an ole’pal (Dancer)…. a cow. I can connect immediately with my core essence while with animals or nature. It was a great way to start this day, Christmas Eve.
The holiday season can be a very vulnerable time for many people….
Namaste, Tammy
Hi, Tammy,
Great to hear from you and I appreciate your kind words. I am glad that today’s post resonated and wish you the very best for the holidays. You are right that the holidays can be difficult for many and I am glad if I can help a little bit.
Maria