Generosity. Its Latin origins literally translate; “of noble lineage or high birth”.
Thus, generosity initially described a set of rarefied qualities associated with the aristocracy. Rather than a quality one possessed, generosity was an ideal state to aspire to.
Today, we might understand generosity as a a nobility of spirit, encompassing courage, strength, richness, gentleness and open-handedness. It’s a kind of moral orientation that calls us to a higher standard. It also points us to the cyclical nature of life, reminding us that we are born into a mutually constitutive dance of giving and receiving.
“Generosity always intends to enhance the true wellbeing of those to whom it gives,” University of Notre Dame, College of Arts and Letters.
Here are some prompts to explore the meaning of generosity in your life.
Quick list writing
Without thinking too much, make a list of your 20 favourite expressions of generosity. Could be anything - a big laugh, a second serve of dessert, standing up for an older person on the bus.
Done? Read over your list and highlight anything that stands out or surprises you. What do you notice reading over your list?
Stream of consciousness writing*
Is generosity something we give or receive?
What is the opposite of generosity?
What are the unexpected ways generosity can show up?
What areas of your life feel generous right now? What areas could use some generosity?
Is generosity an action, a feeling or a characteristic?
*Write the first thing that comes to mind without stopping to edit, “stream of consciousness” style. If you get stuck, try writing with your non-dominant hand to loosen things up!
Read and respond
“Superior advantages bind you to larger generosity.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” Simone Weil
Pick a quote. What does this mean to you? What ideas, colours, memories come to mind as you read it?
Write in whatever style suits you: Bullet points. Mind map. Stream of consciousness. Letter to the author. Drawing or doodle.
“A field is empty, but if you put in the effort to grow something then you will have a garden. And that’s life. Give something, something will come back.”
Eddie Jaku